There are times in life when life itself can seem so overwhelming. Our to-do lists are neverending, responsibilities change or increase, and just getting through the day seems to be a miracle all on its own. Recognizing when you need to take a break is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for mindful living and maintaining balance in life.
The Signs That You Need a Break
We know it, life can be overwhelming. There are moments when everything seems to happen at once—work pressures, family responsibilities, personal goals—and it all becomes too much to handle.
Last year, I made the decision to go back to work while still wanting to keep up with this blog and my online Etsy shop. At first, I thought I could juggle it all, but it quickly became overwhelming. Every weekend, I told myself that this would be the weekend I’d dive back into my blog and shop, yet it never happened.
The regret weighed on me, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d somehow failed. Instead of trying to force myself to sit at my desk and summon the creativity that once came so naturally, I realized I needed to take a step back. It was in that moment I understood the importance of giving myself permission to rest—and letting go of the guilt that so often comes with it.
How do you know when it’s time to take a break?
- Persistent Fatigue: If you find yourself constantly tired despite getting adequate sleep, it’s a sign that your body and mind are overworked. Give yourself time to catch up, create a new routine, or just take a rest.
- Lack of Motivation: When tasks that once excited you now seem like a burden, it’s time to reconsider your pace. Don’t weigh yourself down with guilt. Taking a break will allow you the grace to be able to come back to what you love when you’re ready.
- Irritability and Mood Swings: Feeling unusually irritable or experiencing frequent mood swings can indicate stress and burnout. This is very common when you are overwhelmed and need some time to decompress and understand what you are going through.
- Decreased Productivity: Struggling to complete tasks or noticing a decline in the quality of your work are clear signs that you need a rest. It’s not always easy to focus when you’re in this state or frame of mind.
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, muscle tension, or other stress-related ailments are your body’s way of signaling that it needs a break. So make sure you’re taking those moments you need to rest and reset.
Giving Yourself Grace
Recognizing the need for a break is the first step. The next step is giving yourself permission to take it. This can be challenging, especially if you’re used to pushing through tough times.
Once I committed to giving myself time for a break, I decided to set a timeline for myself, and when my time was coming to end my break, I recognized that I was getting overwhelmed and stressed with the idea of it. So I extended my deadline until I was ready, and here I am now, almost a year later, finally feeling that I am ready. I gave myself grace during that downtime and knew I needed to be kind to myself during the process.
Here’s how you can practice self-compassion during this period:
- Acknowledge Your Needs: Accept that needing a break is a natural part of life. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable; it means you’re human. Be confident in the choice of taking a break. Don’t continually question yourself or feel less because you need a break. Embrace the time and spend it wisely so you can get back on track when you’re ready.
- Set Boundaries: Communicate your need for space to those around you. Whether it’s a day off work or some quiet time at home, make it clear that you need this time for yourself. There is nothing wrong with being honest about what you need. You, your family, and your friends will all appreciate the honesty of it.
- Let Go of Guilt: Understand that taking care of yourself is crucial. Feeling guilty about taking a break only adds to your stress. This is a time to de-stress, so enjoy it!
- Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk, practicing yoga, or simply meditating. Check out the links at the end of this post for some guidance and ideas for self-care.
Taking the Break
When you’ve acknowledged the need for a break and given yourself permission to take it, the next step is to actually do it.
The biggest one that I found helpful during my last year was #4 – engaging in joyful activities. For me, this was knitting. I gave myself a lot of time to lose myself in a different type of creativity, one where my hands are at work and my mind is at rest. And it was exactly what I needed for my mind to rest and reset.
Here are some practical tips:
- Unplug: Disconnect from your phone, email, and social media. Give yourself a digital detox. At first, this seemed quite stressful for me. I LOVE a good scroll! But, once I disconnected I found more time to focus inward and really understand what I needed.
- Rest: Allow yourself to rest without an agenda. Sleep in, take naps, and give your body the rest it needs. If a mid-day nap isn’t for you, then find what your mind and body feel is rest. Sometimes, it’s actually a walk around your neighborhood. Taking a leisurely stroll can be just as refreshing for your mind and body as a nap. Find and do what works for you.
- Reflect: Spend time reflecting on what led to your need for a break. Journaling can be a great way to process your thoughts and emotions. I always keep a journal and found that during this time I specifically broke down what led me to needing a break so I can avoid it again in the future.
- Engage in Joyful Activities: Do things that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s a hobby, spending time in nature, or catching up with loved ones, make sure it’s something you genuinely enjoy.

Returning from Your Break
After you’ve taken the time to rest and recharge, it’s important to ease back into your routine with a mindful approach.
I committed to one weekend morning a week so spend a few hours getting back into the groove of creating designs, writing articles, and just being at my desk and computer again (instead of lounging the day away on the couch).
Here’s how to transition back smoothly:
- Ease into It: Don’t jump back into your routine full throttle. Gradually reintroduce your responsibilities. If you go too hard and too fast you’ll find yourself needing to continue your break.
- Reflect on Your Break: Take note of what you learned during your break. What signs did you miss? How can you prevent burnout in the future? This is key, you don’t want to end up right back when you were. Pay attention to your thoughts as you make your transition.
- Set Realistic Goals: Focus on what you can realistically accomplish. Prioritize tasks and set manageable goals for yourself.
- Practice Mindfulness: Stay present and mindful of your needs. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you’re maintaining balance. The more aware you are of how you feel the more you will be able to continue and stay charged without needing a break to recharge.
- Forgive Yourself: Let go of any regrets about what could have been doing during your break. Understand that taking time off was essential for your well-being and growth. Give yourself grace!
Embracing Where You Are
As you re-enter your routine, it’s crucial to embrace where you are now. Don’t dwell on what you could have accomplished during your break. Instead, appreciate the clarity, energy, and perspective you’ve gained. Remember, the break was necessary for your personal and professional growth.
By recognizing when you need a break and giving yourself the grace to take it, you’re practicing a vital aspect of mindful living. It’s about valuing your well-being above all and understanding that you can only give your best when you’re at your best. So, take that break, breathe deeply, and come back with a renewed sense of purpose and balance.
Check out these articles that might help you take a break and come back recharged and refreshed!
Mindset Versus Mindfulness: Understanding Both As You Focus on Inner Happiness
How Living With Intention Can Positively Transform Your Life
How to Embrace the Power of Self-Love and Journey Towards Wholeness
Sleep Solutions: 5 Things to Do In Order to Improve Your Sleep Health