We have all heard the phrase “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” while majority of us know the meaning behind the phrase, how many of us contemplate it at a deeper level and apply it to our lives? This proverb literally means that it is not good to work all the time and that people may get bored if they don’t get some time off from work.
Doing work all the time may result in burnout, leaving us stressed and this may prove to be detrimental to our physical and mental well-being. Taking frequent breaks actually increases our work efficiency, concentration and activity. Here are some of the activities that you can indulge in during your leisure time:-
- Breathe: Breathing to us means something which is conscious but try deep belly breathing where you breathe through your belly and not through your chest. It ensures that oxygen reaches each and every part of your body, making you feel surreal. You may try meditation, exercise or yoga.
- Practice Mindfulness: When we talk about mindfulness, many people equate it with meditation. However, mindfulness and meditation are two separate practices. Mindfulness truly means “being present in the moment”. We can practice mindfulness while doing anything: eating, watching a movie or reading a book. A good way to start is trying to remain focused on the task at hand while blocking all the distractions. Next time you eat something, practice mindful eating. Savour the taste of each and every bite while paying attention to how the food tastes and how the experience feels.
- Travel: Travel not only refreshes us but also gives us a new perspective towards life. Visiting new places, meeting new people and trying new things fills our lives with joy and satisfaction. At times the experience may not turn out as you expected but even that can have benefits of its own.
- Creative Activities: Draw, paint, sing or dance even when you are not very good at it! These are some of the creative mediums which help us to express ourselves in a safe place and release any stress or negative feelings that we may be experiencing. Listening to music or reading a book is also a good idea.
Life has plenty to offer and it is important to understand that while working is an essential part of it, taking out time for yourself is equally important. Each person has differing needs for solitude and social time, striking a balance between the two is important. Experiencing a change in the routine can also have a restorative effect.
