3 REASONS TO TAKE THAT MUCH-NEEDED BREAK FROM WORK

Have you ever felt like you are just running on hamster wheels? No matter how fast you try to move, you never seem to get things done. What comes after that? You burn yourself out, right?

What if I tell you it's possible NOT to feel that way all the freaking time?

You might not believe me because you'd rather believe the idea that this life is hard, your job sucks, nobody gets you and you'll never get to where you want to be, yada yada yada! Well, believe it or not, it IS possible to not be fed up with all of these things that you find annoying or uncomfortable. If you know that deep down in your heart that you like what you're currently doing, but somehow you also feel like you've just had enough, well guess what? IT'S OKAY TO TAKE A BREAK FROM IT!

Would you believe that it took me about 10 years to realize that?! Ten freaking years, my friend! During my younger years, the moment I start to feel cranky at work, the moment I start to feel like everyone and everything's getting on my nerves, I will quit. No buts, no ifs. I would just hand in my resignation and play deaf when my bosses try to talk me out of my resignation. My philosophy is that, I've already given you my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough, so, this is where we part ways - goodbye! 

Well, I did a lot of that in my 20's. It might be a bit embarrassing and empowering at the same time, but right now, I am at a point in my life wherein I have to exercise consistency and strive for stability. After about 10 years of living pretty much on my own, I have learned that I am human. (It took me that long to realize that too!) I have learned that I have my limits and that I can either choose to give up every time something shitty comes my way, OR I can find a way to properly recharge, change my strategies and learn new coping mechanisms. 

You still don't believe me? Let me me back that up then with these other advantages of taking breaks:

1. You will get a different perspective

                     
I'm not talking about browsing Facebook kinda break here, though most of the time, that's the first thing that would come to our minds when we hear the word 'break'. I used to be guilty of this too! But I'm not just talking about 15-minute daily breaks here. I mean taking some time off as far away from your desk and computer as possible, getting a whiff of fresh air and being in a totally different setting. No, it doesn't have to be a fancy vacation to another country. Just change your setting! You just need a change of scenery! I'm telling you, you would have a different point of view (even just a slightly different point of view) once you're out somewhere - doing something that is not part of your routine. You would see your problems from a different angle, challenges would seem a bit easier and you'll even realize that you're not the only one dealing with shits on a daily basis. Sometimes, that's all you need! Knowing that you're not alone and that you are trying your best to stay strong. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you'll eventually realize how much of a bad-ass you truly are once you decide to give it a rest and accept that you are human. It's just all about the bounce, yo!


2. It restores your creativity and gives you inspiration

                                                                                 

                                                                            

I recently watched this movie called Coffee House, the leading man from that movie is a young playwright from NYC who is struggling with an epic writer's block. His friend then advised him to get away from the city and try to find his muse from a small town and maybe, just maybe, he could get back on track. I know this is just a movie, but I've done this several times as well, taking a break from the city REALLY restores your creativity! I find myself having fresh new ideas when I'm not in the midst of road rage and hellish temperature. And I think it works both ways. If you are living in a country side and you're sick of the simple and quiet life, then by all means get out of your town even just for a day just to get a taste of the hustle and bustle of the city. You might like the fast-paced environment or prove that you still love the peace, tranquility and charm of a small town. Either way, you break the routine and that's the point! You get a taste of something new and it could either inspire you to change your life or it could motivate you to keep doing what you're doing. I find myself having a mental inventory of the things I've done so far and things that I still need to do when I'm taking breaks these days. Once you step away from your 'normal' life, that's when you could actually re-evaluate your goals, pick up a new hobby or make important decisions.


3. It gives you more energy

                                                                                                                                                                   

I'm going to play the human card here again. I don't know about you, but the main reason I'm taking breaks is to rest and repair this human body. I don't take breaks/vacations just so people would see that I can afford to go here and there. Hell to the freaking NO! I take breaks because I'm tired and exhausted, that's it! I hate feeling tired and powerless because I can't do the things that I love doing when I'm out of energy. And for an introverted empath like me, that's twice the misery! In order to function like a normal adult during my work week, I need an infinite amount of time to be alone or with very few trusted friends. You would rarely see me taking a vacation at a crowded place. Why? Because that would defeat the purpose of taking a break for me. If I go to a popular or trendy place, I don't care how awesome the food is or how expensive or cheap it is to get there, I'll go home even more drained than I was when I first got there. That's just not how I roll. I think a break or a quick vacation should make you feel relaxed and recharged, not sick and pissed off.

The thing is, whatever type of break or vacation it is that you prefer, the only way to know it if it was a good one or not is based on your energy level after you take it. If you like a beach + booze party, if you really think that's what's gonna make you happy, then by all means do it. But if you're like me and you'd prefer serenity, know that there are places that would help you get that.

I recently tried glamping at this hidden haven at my grandparents' hometown and it is by far the most practical and most therapeutic break I've ever had. I spent some quality time with my high school best friend because we rarely see each other. And you know what I realized? Sometimes, that's all the therapy that you need - you and your best friend talking about life over a cup of coffee!

There's a growing number of condotels around Manila if you'd just choose to have a staycation.  There are a lot of places that are not too far from Manila as well if you're willing to travel or drive a little bit. There are hot springs somewhere in the south, but if you want to head a little up north, you might want to consider San Rafael River Adventure as your next destination. You might feel a bit disconnected from the world while you're there (You can only use WIFI at the reception area!) but trust me, you'll experience nature therapy at its best. And once your body and soul are refilled, trust me, you will be ready take on new challenges!    

                                                      
"Rest if you must, but don't you quit!"

Keep that in mind, will ya?