In today’s “hustle and grind” society, it’s easy to forget that our bodies and minds need proper rest to work. And, I’m not talking about the “stress about everything I’m not doing right now” kind of rest- I’m talking a complete, guilt-free time to rest your mind.

But how do we find those moments when we’re trying to meet deadlines and secure a future?

I’m glad you asked.

Take Your Full Lunch Break

If you work somewhere with a dedicated lunch break, make a point to take the FULL time alotted to step away from your desk, eat, hydrate (or caffienate), and maybe get some fresh air. And, if someone tries to get you to work during your lunch, it’s ok to decline. Unless it’s a real emergency, most tasks will wait until you return to your desk.

Take Intermittent Breaks

If possible, make a habit of taking 5-10 minute breaks for every hour of work time. Use that time to walk around, grab a drink or snack, use the bathroom, and give your mind time to refocus.

Meditate

If the workday becomes particularly overwhelming, take a few moments to meditate at your desk. Sit upright, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and empty your mind. That way, you can reduce stress and come back to the problem with fresh eyes.

Get Some Exercise

Physical exercise is a great way to reduce stress and refresh the mind. Walk around the office/house on your breaks, do arm and leg exercises while sitting at your desk, do some yoga on lunch- whatever you can do to get some movement in your day.

Now, you might be wondering how exercising pertains to rest. Well, physical movement often boosts energy, reduces stress, and rejuvinates the mind- so it’s almost the same as a (slightly sweatier) nap!

Clock Out On Time

If your workday ends at 5pm, then it needs to end at 5pm. No taking work home, no surprise overtime, and no “this will only take a moment” delays. End your day, say goodbye, and leave your work at work.

Then, you can have the rest of the evening to enjoy life knowing that you don’t have to worry about work until the next day- and that can often be the best rest of all.

Remember- resting isn’t a sin. Your mind and body need proper, guilt-free rest in order to function properly, and there’s no shame in protecting yourself (and your energy) from the “always be productive” mentality of the working world.

For some more ideas on getting more out of your workday, check out the articles below:

How do you get some rest at work? Let me know in the comments!