In our society, where workaholics are the ideal worker, taking a break is seen as something weak and should never, under any circumstance, be done –– even if you need it. I had to read a book for one of my first college classes, and do you know what that book told me?
Show up to class unless you're contagious.
As someone who suffered from sinus infections and still suffers from migraines, that told me something really important: Society doesn't care if you feel like you're dying and are not functional; you have to show up unless you'll get others sick.
Kind of a twisted message, don't you think?
While most of the time it isn't so blatantly stated, it's still there. My boss does a fantastic job of ensuring we make time for ourselves, but the messed up part? I feel guilty when I accept his offer and will often decline that extra half-day off when I need to take off the latter half of my shift (I usually end up regretting it because that day almost always ends in a stress-induced migraine).
For some people, the workaholic life may suit them. They may thrive on being busy. Most people, though? It doesn't work so well.
How about before your body starts telling you to take it, you take that break you keep thinking about? Maybe it's reading that book you've been pushing off, maybe it's taking a nice bath with some fancy candles or maybe it's taking a proper vacation.
Whatever it is, do it. You deserve it. Even if you aren't done with that important project or are where you think you're supposed to be, you deserve it. Why? Because you've made it this far. Wherever you are, be proud of yourself and take that break.
Even if you're behind in your work, take a break. Chances are, you're stressed and in need of a break. Nobody works well in that kind of atmosphere––even if they claim to.
Take that break, take time to assess your priorities, take time to collect your thoughts, and then continue on being that total badass you absolutely are.
When you're done with that break, keep this in mind: If you're trying your best, you deserve that break.
This applies to physically or mentally trying your best. Your best is totally subjective –– everyone's "best" is different, so don't compare yours to anyone else's.
