Give Me a Break

I have just returned from a much-needed vacation with my husband.  Some breaks feel like a luxury and are nice to have.  Others are badly needed.  This break belonged in the second category for me.  This season finds me in the last year of my grad program, the first semester of an off-site internship, and various other responsibilities and opportunities.  It’s a truly good season, albeit a busy and stressful one.

In this season, I am learning about my limitations.  I am learning how far I can stretch myself and when it is simply unwise to stretch myself any further.  I am learning what I can do healthily and what I can do only by sacrificing my health (and sanity).  In this season, I have also found myself bumping into my emotional boundaries and needing to walk away and reprieve myself of situations and settings that are toxic to my emotional well-being.

Vacations and breaks come in all shapes and sizes.  Sometimes in life we are afforded the amazing opportunity to escape the state or country, to explore new places, and check out of our day-to-day responsibilities and burdens.  These opportunities are valuable but rare, making it a necessity to find ways to give ourselves a break during busy weeks and amid the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

If you are finding yourself in exasperation crying (or mumbling under your breath), “Give me a break!” this might be for you.

1. Know your limits.

God has equipped our bodies, minds, and souls with check engine lights.  Unfortunately, we don’t come with a manual, but we can learn how to read the signals letting us know when we need to chill out.  Learn your cues.  Are you running on adrenaline and caffeine?  Is your mind constantly going?  Are you physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted?  Are you easily irritated?  Constantly on edge?   Time for a break!

2. Don’t underestimate the power of a short break

Like I said before, breaks come in all shapes and sizes.  Funny fact about me.  I have learned I am an introvert with extroverted tendencies.  I know how to “people,” but after a day of socializing (or right in the middle of socializing), I find myself wanting to get away to regroup and recharge.  For these situations, I have found the beauty of the bathroom break or quick walk to my car.  Even in the middle of a social engagement, I can always find five minutes to myself to find quiet, solace and a chance to disengage and take a breath.

Short breaks are powerful.  Never underestimate the power of a power nap or a quick snack break.  Try to resist the urge to work through your lunch and find a time during the day to recharge your batteries, even if only for 20 or 30 minutes.  When is your time to unplug?  Is it early in the morning before everyone wakes up?  Is it right before bed?  It’s amazing the time we can find when we don’t allow ourselves to be accessible to everyone at all times.

3.  Set some boundaries.

This one is huge.  Are you a people pleaser?  Over-achiever?  Are you the type to answer a phone call or message/email the second it comes through?  Even if you are off the clock?  Stop it.  Not every email is a priority.  And work emails are meant for work hours.  “No” is a word you are allowed to use, and you are allowed to set a healthy pace for your schedule and your life.  Know your boundaries, advocate your boundaries, and stick to your boundaries.  Again, not everyone should always have access to you.  You are allowed to take care of you.

4.  Schedule time for you.

Can’t find any time to take a legitimate day or afternoon off?  Schedule it.  Make an appointment with yourself.  Whether you schedule a lunch date with yourself, a Saturday afternoon to go shopping, or a 3-day weekend for a mini-retreat or to simply do nothing at all, make yourself a priority.  

Rest is a spiritual weapon.  Deep and abiding rest comes from recognizing that we are finite beings with human limitations, but that we can put our trust in a God who is unlimited and all-powerful.  When we rest, we surrender to the idea that we are not in control and trust our lives to the one who is.  We can best utilize our time and find meaning and purpose in our lives when we are well-rested and allow ourselves to lean and rely on God’s strength.  Here’s the bottom line. We may think we can’t afford to rest, but for our health, longevity, and ability to pursue our dreams and purpose, the truth is we can’t afford not to. 

Give yourself a break.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28)