The Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office and Michigan Medicine’s Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience present a monthly article series on mental health topics.
We all do it—tell ourselves we'll take a break after just one more task. Then, instead of taking that break, we move on to another job, keeping the break on the back burner. While sometimes we have to push through, it's not good to work ourselves to the point of exhaustion.
So, what can we do to work smarter and take better care of ourselves? Read on for tips on setting a good work pace and staying fresh all day.
Taking Breaks Can Energize Your Day
Our energy and focus have limits. To keep performing our best, we need to pause and step back from work now and then. How about treating breaks like part of your to-do list? Schedule them just like meetings. During your downtime, you could listen to your favorite tunes, take a stroll, or grab a coffee and chat with a coworker.
Alex Jendrusina, Ph.D., a counselor at FASCCO, advises, "Taking breaks is a must. Think of it like this: you don’t want to let your car run out of gas before you refill it. It's the same with your mind and body. Refueling with small breaks throughout the day is way better than waiting until you're running on empty."
Step Away From Work
Everyone needs some time off to recharge. And it doesn't have to be something big or expensive. A day at home without work can do the trick, maybe visiting a local museum, exploring a new trail, or catching a movie.
Check-In With Yourself
How are you feeling as the day goes by? Keep tabs on your mood and energy levels. They'll let you know how to organize your tasks, especially if you're tired or rested. Trouble focusing? That's your cue to take one of those breaks we talked about.
Make Time for Social Connection
Connecting with people can boost our mood, even while working. Why not have lunch with a co-worker, find a club at work to join, or just chat with a friend during a quick break?
Know Your Limits
It's essential to set boundaries. Figure out how much work is too much for you and stick to it. Make sure to manage your time well—like allowing yourself a few minutes between meetings to catch your breath—and to chat with your boss to make sure you're working on the right things.
Eat, Move, and Sleep
We function better when we're physically and emotionally healthy. Make sure you're eating right, getting some exercise, and sleeping enough. If there's something off in any of these areas, think about what changes you can make.
Need Support? We're Here for You
If you’d like to learn more about self-care, stress management, or tips in structuring your day, or are interested in support, counselors are available for no-charge, confidential services. If you work on an academic campus, contact the Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office (FASCCO) at 734-936-8660 or [email protected]. If you work at Michigan Medicine, contact the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience (OCWR) at 734-763-5409 or [email protected].
