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Dear mom: Let’s talk about why you need to take a break. This is something that’s especially important for me to keep in mind, and any work at home parent or stay at home parent. If you were working at an office, you would get breaks. Perhaps a paid shorter break and a lunch break, but you would have a break. So why should working at home or being a stay at home parent be any different? It shouldn’t but in reality, we usually don’t take a break- even when we should. This is an important mental health issue for moms (and dads) to be aware of.

Yes, you can take a break.

What does it mean to “take a break”? Many of us are so busy these days that we don’t even know the true meaning of the concept. But, when referred to by most people, the answer involves making an escape from everyday life, taking the time to stand back from our hurried existence and getting a look at the “big picture.”

The truth is, most of us don’t know how to relax. When we are not engaged in any activities, our lives come to a screeching halt. Nervousness sets in because we are not texting on our cell phone, tweeting to our business partners, driving the kids to a rehearsal or sports practice or scheduling car repairs or carpet cleanings. Life has kept us in high gear for so long that slowing down is a foreign concept.

If all this sounds familiar, read on. It’s time to give yourself a break.

Are you an autistic mom or mom of an autistic child? The Routine Toolkit is for you! Created by an autism mom with autistic children.

Discover what it means to de-stress, disassociate and drop everything. It doesn’t have to be for long but it does need to happen – for many reasons.

Everyone needs a break to regroup. Just because you are a parent, a child, an entrepreneur, a leader or a caregiver doesn’t mean that you are expected to run continuously without stopping. Society praises those who seem to have boundless energy, but you might want to ask yourself how they are achieving it without investing in downtime.

Because of the physical dangers of high stress levels, you shouldn’t feel guilty about taking time out for yourself. Everyone needs it. You can learn to work out your downtime together as a family so that the benefits are felt by the entire group and all are rejuvenated to keep going for yet another day.

Here’s another thought. When you are at your best then you can do your best for others. If you are the type of person who is dedicated to their work, their families and their community, all of these entities will reap the rewards of a well-spent break.

Admit to yourself: yes, I need to take a break.

Taking Time for Yourself

No matter how much time you have, you can put it to good use. Think about your schedule. Maybe you try to use every available moment to fit in all the activities you have to get done. What if even a fraction of that time was spent in the act of renewing your mind, body and spirit?

What about the time we spend waiting? We wait for appointments, children, clients, and traffic lights. How are you waiting during these times? It could be an opportunity to do something even more important for yourself.

Just like with exercise, relaxation time is cumulative. Five minutes here or ten minutes there can add up to big benefits for you. Don’t ever think that have to attend a class or set aside loads of time to “get it right.” There is no right or wrong way to take a break. The point is to get away and take it.

Are you an autistic mom or mom of an autistic child? The Routine Toolkit is for you! Created by an autism mom with autistic children.

Take a Break from the Digital World

Yes, we even need to take a break from technology. It seems to rule our lives. And, we have often replaced physical interactions with people with text messages, emails and forums. Or blogging, as we know, can be incredibly time consuming if we don’t keep it in check. But the last thing that I want is for my blog to become a source of stress, so I know that I need to take a break. I usually take Sunday off from blogging and I’ve heard several bloggers say that they take at least two days off. That might be the weekends or it could be any two days of the week.

Whatever the case, it works- even taking one day off makes a huge difference.

It’s okay to take time out to recharge your batteries. Regular breaks for everyone in your family can maintain an even keel in your life and the family dynamic. Do it for your health. Do it for your quality of life.

Taking a Break is Not Selfish

As Kenny Chesney put it in his song? Sometimes yes, you just need a break from reality and that’s okay! I get it. I totally get it. 

There’s so much going on in your life that it gets overwhelming. 

And it is okay to acknowledge that.

It is okay to take a break.

And it is NOT selfish.

Ultimately you are doing yourself a favor.

So take that break.

Are you an autistic mom or mom of an autistic child? The Routine Toolkit is for you! Created by an autism mom with autistic children.
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Kori

Digital Product Creator at Kori at Home
Kori is a late diagnosed autistic/ADHD mom. She is currently located in Albany, NY where she is raising a neurodiverse family. Her older daughter is non-speaking autistic (and also has ADHD and Anxiety) and her youngest daughter is HSP/Gifted. A blogger, podcaster, writer, product creator, and coach; Kori shares autism family life- the highs, lows, messy, and real. Kori brings her own life experiences as an autistic woman combined with her adventures in momming to bring you the day-to-day of her life at home. Kori is on a mission to empower moms of autistic children to make informed parenting decisions with confidence and conviction.

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Robin (Masshole Mommy)
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
9 years ago

I think I am too paranoid to take a break from blogging, but I do take breaks from other things sometimes. And I definitely make time for myself. Often.

Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
9 years ago

I’d love to unplug and take a break. Blogging is one of those things that is both wonderful and hideous. Just the thought of taking a break fills me with anxiety. I think I need to overcome that!

Alli
9 years ago

I have to make myself take a break from all that goes with blogging. I usually unplug totally from social media on the weekends. I’ll schedule posts for FB, etc. but I only do what is absolutely necessary to run my blog on weekends. As a matter of fact, I need to take a break right this minute. I’ve been working for 8 hours today! 🙂

Donna Ward
9 years ago

Well, Kori – I was forced into a weeklong blogging break last week – because of site issues – BUT…I was close to getting so nervous about not blogging regularly – then I kept telling myself to enjoy – and it actually was nice (not the site issues, lol) This was a timely post for me 🙂

Maria
9 years ago

Often times, I find myself disconnecting from my phone and social media in my attempts to reconnect with myself and the world around me. I find it liberating, refreshing, and much-needed in order to feel balanced.

Natalie
9 years ago

What is this break you speak of? I wish I had time to take a break? I’m already behind for being sick and being in the ER. I need to catch up. lol

Betsy Barnes
Betsy Barnes
9 years ago

This is a great post. I definitely need to take a digital break, there is always something I need to do online, it’s hard to ignore 🙂

Liz Mays
9 years ago

I should really designate some break times for myself. If I take spontaneous breaks, I end up feeling bad about not working.

Digna D.
9 years ago

Agreed, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day. I am always working way too much. Sometimes it just doesn’t seem worth it.

Nancy
9 years ago

I take breaks from blogging ALL the time. I don’t think anyone really notices or “cares” too much (that sounds horrible) if you’re gone a week or so. I usually stop blogging when I’m on vacation – which is a couple of times per year. Eh, I don’t mind!!

CourtneyLynne
CourtneyLynne
9 years ago

taking breaks is so very important!! I took a break a month ago from blogging, just for a week… And it was the best thing for me! I came back motivated and ready to take over the Internet!! I needed that time to regroup.

Terri Ramsey Beavers
9 years ago

Oh! I don’t think I need a break but you had a point. We really need a break, I wish I could take a break to blogging.

Elizabeth O.
Elizabeth O.
9 years ago

So looking forward for my vacation next month… I really need a break from work!

celebbabylaundry
9 years ago

It’s great to work hard, but without a break you’ll slowly just deteriorate

Shaney Vijendranath
9 years ago

I really need a break. I feel like I’ve been overworking myself. I need some me time. Great post.

Chubskulit Rose
9 years ago

I am with you 100% on taking a break with the digital world. Sometimes. our time get consumed with communicating on the web that we neglect the importance of talking personally to people around us.

Roselynn
9 years ago

For me, the break from technology and blogging comes on the weekend. I used to work through the weekend to try and stay ahead of things but quickly realized I was draining myself dry. Now I look forward to having two days where I don’t have to stare at my phone or answer emails.

HilLesha
9 years ago

There is nothing more empowering than unplugging from the digital world. It’s liberating, and I believe that more and more people should do it.

Beth
9 years ago

This is great advice. I sure do wish I could take a break! Unfortunately, as a blogger, it’s just not possible 🙂

Tiffany Cutcliff
9 years ago

I took a break from blogging this winter and it was wonderful! I loved it and needed it so bad.

Rebecca Swenor
Rebecca Swenor
9 years ago

It is so important for everyone to take a break even a new mother not just working mothers. You are right when you say everyone needs to regroup indeed. Thanks for sharing.

Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies
9 years ago

I’ve always had a hard time allowing myself to take a break. It’s so important to take breaks in order to prevent burnout.

Erica @ The Crumby Cupcake
9 years ago

You know, I’ve only been at this blogging thing for 8 months, and while I’ve taken short breaks in that time, I feel afraid to take them now that I’m trying to hard to grow and monetize. It’s like I’m afraid to miss out on an opportunity!

Kelly Hutchinson
9 years ago

I am getting so burned out and I am taking it out on my family. I certainly need to take a break.

Rosey
9 years ago

I need to be taking a break, because I need to focus on something else. My numbers are just starting to pick up though, and I need the income too, for student loans. So it’s a catch-22 thing for me.

Michelle | Divas With A Purpose
9 years ago

Great points! Self-care is so very important and one of those things women often neglect. Thanks for the great reminder and suggestions.

Erin Kennedy
9 years ago

These tips are so super important. I don’t take enough breaks. I have to remind myself to take a minute and/or take a weekend off. Thanks!

Aisha Kristine Chong
8 years ago

This is just so true. Sometimes, we all just need a break from everything else.. relax and ynow, let ourselves loose.

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