I took a bit of a break from Hong Kong, from working and from blogging and upon my return to action, I have plenty of inspiration, lots of energy and even more business than usual. So why is that? Well there are many possible reasons, but at the very least I have decided to believe that this long, enjoyable break didn’t hurt at all. In fact I recommend it.

How and why to take a break

What is the number one priority for anyone who wants to effectively coach (and influence) other people?

It is to look after themselves. If you don’t look after yourself really well, you cannot be truly available to other people. You can’t listen when you’ve got your own worries. You can’t fully support or encourage others when you need love, support or recognition yourself.

And for busy working people, what’s the easiest way to immediately put yourself first? Take a break. Any kind of break will do. No matter how short or long your break, make sure you fully enjoy it.

Here is a selection of ways to take a break. Which one suits you today?

The five minute stretch

Stop. Move away from the computer. Stand up. Move your body in whatever way feels good. Experiment with invigorating movements or long, calming stretches. Get a glass of water because it’s good for your brain. If others are watching you stretch, tell them how good it feels or maybe make some expressive noises!

How hard can it be to take a five minute break? Do this three times per day and you will increase your thinking power and your ability to relate to others.

The 20 minute walk

This is an excellent break to take when you need some new ideas. Simply get up and go. Walk at whatever pace you like and most importantly,look at the scenery, whether it’s a pretty downtown park or a cool shopping mall. For best results, feel your feet on the ground and the air passing by your skin.  The ideas you need will pop into your head when you are least expecting them.

Do you feel guilty taking this kind of break? Let’s get past that, shall we? This kind of break is extremely valuable for you and your work.

The evening “your way”

This is a break from obligations and a break from the ordinary. It could also be a Saturday, or any time in fact. The most important thing is to do something different that is relaxing to you. Have you ever been to an art jam or a drum jam? Is there a street of interesting shops that you never have time to wonder in? How about an evening with a special friend?

When you explore what you want, you’re getting the most out of your life spontaneously. You’re exercising your self-awareness and your curiosity.You’re opening yourself to the accidental joys that life is full of, if we only pay attention.

The Duvet Day

I heard of this term at a talk on Work/Life Balance, and I love the idea. A Duvet Day means a day when you just feel like staying in bed (under the comfy duvet). You’re not sick, just tired. The world won’t end if you miss work on this one day and you’ll have the opportunity to feel so grateful for the simple pleasure of sleeping in. Ahh.

This type of break exercises your true freedom to choose and is an excellent way to model choice and self-confidence to others.

The break from‘should’

This is another type of break from obligations. Identify something that you’re doing that you don’t actually want to do, and then stop doing it for a while. You might stop doing something that someone else expects you to do, that you don’t truly want to do. It could be you started doing something for a good reason and that reason has since changed leaving you with a habit that no longer serves you. You might have forgotten that you have a choice about what you do.

The interesting thing about this type of break is what you might discover. It forces you to notice your preferences and your choices. Can you design your life to fit you exactly?

Remember, I’m not saying you ‘should’ take this kind of break, only that you may!

Conclusion

Most coaches operate from the understanding that the world works best when individual choices are honoured. We start by honouring our own needs and preferences and we extend that privilege to the people we work with, knowing that everything works better that way in the long run. Do you agree?