the power of a "power break"

( ♥)
 
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."

Sydney Harris

 

Today I'm going to spend some time enjoying a "power break," as Topi talks about in this post. While I'm relaxing, enjoy reading this great post filled with suggestions on how you can make the most of a power break. This guest post is written by Topi, who blogs at topi-tour. Topi’s goal is to change her life for the better in 2010, and at topi-tour she writes about how she’s achieving that and the lightbulb moments she’s had along the way. Visit Topi’s site to read more about her journey so far!

I was looking at a friend’s vacation pictures the other day, and I realised that it’s been 5 years since I last went on vacation. In this time my husband and I have moved house and grown our family from one child to three, I’ve changed jobs, and my husband has started a business that requires his almost constant attention...so it’s been a bit difficult to get away. However, I recognise that it’s important to have a break from life every now and then. I know that I really benefit from the chance to pause, recharge my batteries, refresh my perspective, and regain my focus. So, when the opportunity arises, I like to take what I think of as a “power break”, a mini-vacation, a brief interlude during which I make a conscious effort to rejuvenate either my body or my mind (and sometimes both!). Here are 5 of my favourite power breaks:

5 Power Breaks
  

1. A visit to the day-spa: When I’ve been working particularly hard I love to treat myself to a massage, a facial, or a pedicure. It’s a wonderful way to reward myself for my hard efforts, and as a wife and mother I spend quite a bit of my time looking after others so I really appreciate the opportunity to have someone look after me for a little while. The tranquil environment is perfect for letting go of negative energy, and I always leave feeling more calm and at peace with myself. 

2. Going to the movies: In my house we generally only watch movies that are G rated and animated (over, and over again!). So, when there’s a movie I really want to see, I like to savour the anticipation of waiting for it to be released and looking forward to going to the local cinema to watch it. Those few hours of darkness are a complete escape for me, and getting a glimpse at someone else’s life can be a great way of putting your own into perspective. Plus, I don’t have to share my food or drink with a small person...

3. A day trip to somewhere fun: I love to pack a picnic and go out for the day with my family. My husband has a particular knack for finding interesting festivals for us to visit, but the kids also enjoy a ride on the train or ferry, a visit to the museum, or an afternoon at the local park or swimming pool. There’s something about spending precious time with my family that reminds me of the importance of truly being in the moment.

4. Coffee with a friend: As our lives have become busier, and we’ve moved away from each other, my friends and I have found it more and more difficult to catch up regularly. While we keep in touch by email and text, there’s nothing quite like getting together in person. This may only happen a couple of times a year but when it does it’s an excuse for coffee, cake and the opportunity to talk ourselves hoarse. Through their candid conversation and genuine interest in each other’s lives, my friends enrich my life and keep me grounded.

5. A cup of tea and a good book: On very rare occasions I find myself with an empty house and a spare hour or two on my hands. When that happens I fight the temptation to clean the house or do paperwork and instead I sit down, put my feet up and enjoy a cup of tea and a good book. It’s my personal definition of complete bliss. I’m sometimes surprised to be reminded of how much I enjoy my own company.

 

The many challenges of balancing work and family life mean that my days are long, tiring, and always rewarding. I absolutely enjoy having a busy life, but regular power breaks give me the chance to pause, catch my breath, regain my energy, and reflect on how blessed I am. These are just a few of my favourite power-breaks.

  What about you?
 What are your favourite ways of taking a break from life?

The post you just read was written by Topi, author of the site topi-tour. Topi’s goal is to change her life for the better in 2010, and at topi-tour she writes about how she’s achieving that and the lightbulb moments she’s had along the way. If you enjoyed this post, you can visit Topi’s site to read more about her journey so far.

Comments

[J.D. Meier]

I'm a movie buff so you're speaking my lingo.

[Topi]

Hi Dani,
I'm very excited to be guest posting at Positively Present,thanks so much for having me and I hope you enjoy your power break!
Topi

[positively present]

J.D. - Glad Topi's post spoke to you!

Topi - You're welcome. Thank you for sharing your insights on taking a power break. :)

[Lilly]

I needed to hear this! It is so easy to stay in the constant GO GO GO of life. In fact at times I think I only have permission to stop when Im 'officially' on holidays. My commitment to the world is to have a power break today! I've just booked an extra long lunch break and invited some friends to join me.

[John Soares]

Here are my two favorites:

1. Do tai chi.
2. Take a walk.

[Topi]

Hi JD - aren't movies great! I'm going this weekend :)
Hi Lilly - my heart is singing for you! have a wonderful lunch.
Hi John - I haven't done tai chi for a while (thanks for reminding me, must find a local teacher), but I try to walk every day, so I know that joy!
Topi

[Josten]

My favorite ways in taking a break from life are simply getting outside and doing what i love. Whenever i get so filled up with nonsense i stop and do something else. Taking my dogs for a walk, blogging and skateboarding are my ways to relax.

[Ricardo Bueno]

My "power break" is at the beach. I tune out from all of technology, walk along the pier and just refresh. It's the perfect break for me! And I always come back feeling refreshed and ready to go.

[Phil - Less Ordinary Living]

Topi - I try to take a power break every day. I enjoy sticking my nose in a fiction book, doing a crossword, meditating, sitting on a bench in the sunshine, taking a little walk in the park, watering the garden, doing a small and satisfying task around the house. All of these bring me joy and energy. I love your ideas Topi - they clearly keep you motoring.

Phil

[Viv Sure]

it's such a simple concept but I always forget the restorative power of taking time out.

[Michael Yanakiev]

A great list of ideas on how to stay creatively out of burn outs !
I will do my best to try all of them. This though is in my list as a
take away:"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."

[Topi]

Hi Josten - I think anything involving the great outdoors is a powerful power break.
Hi Ricardo - I love the beach too, so I can completely understand your power break.
Hi Phil - I love your ideas too. And a life filled with joy and energy is a truly rich one.
Hi Viv - sometimes the simple things are the best :)
Hi Michael - I have to credit Dani for finding that quote, but yes it has resonated with me as well. I'm going to write it in my journal, with my collection of great quotes to live by.
Topi

[positively present]

Lilly - I'm with you! I needed this post too. I definitely live an on-the-go type life and sometimes I really need to remember to take time to slow down. I'm glad Topi could inspire us with this post!

John - Those sound like great ways to take a power break. Though I don't do it often enough, I really do enjoy a nice long walk on a beautiful day.

Josten - Thanks for sharing your favorite ways to relax. Blogging and spending time with my dog are two of my favorites too!

Richardo - Ooh, I'm jealous that you can access a beach when you want to take a power break. I love going to the beach and it's definitely one of my favorite places to relax. As you said, it's the perfect place!

Phil - Good for you that you try to get in a power break every day! That's the way to do it! You've listed some great ways to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life. Thanks for your comment!

Viv - It really is a simple but great reminder, isn't it? Sometimes we can get so involved in our lives that we forget to take a break and just enjoy the moments.

Michael - Wasn't Topi's list a good one? I really enjoyed reading her post as well as the comments left by readers like you. Thanks for the contribution to the site!

Topi - Thanks again for doing the post and for responding to the comments. I'm glad to have you here on Positively Present! :)

[Mark]

Power breaks are essential. You have provided some good tips. There are many ways to do this. One of my favorites is a day trip.

[Heather]

Perfect reminder! I'm in the midst of law school finals and feeling really burnt out - this inspired me to take the rest of the night off for some "me" time :)

[Tina]

Hi everybody :)) Great post :) My favourite ways of relax are:
- taking photos outside
- walk in the city or anywhere :)
- movie night with audrey hepburn or another good movie
- being with my family
- watching football of course ;)

[Syd]

Going on my boat is my best power break. It is the best way to spend a few days.

[positively present]

Mark - I agree. We all need to make time for a good power break. I'm glad you liked Topi's tips on this subject.

Heather - I'm so glad Topi's post worked well for you. I hope you enjoyed your "me" time!

Tina - Thanks for sharing your favorite ways to relax! Those are great ideas and I hope other readers will take the time to consider what relaxing activities they enjoy.

Syd - Sounds like a great way to take a power break!

[Topi]

Thanks everyone for your comments. I really enjoyed sharing my power breaks with you, and hearing yours in return.

Thanks again Dani for having me visit at Positively Present, I've had a fantastic time.

Topi :)