It was the perfect summer day—around 80 degrees Fahrenheit with minimal humidity in the air. My favorite local band was set to play at a venue right on the beach, and fireworks were promised to follow. I had a smile on my face the whole time.
Not long ago, I’m not sure I would’ve allowed myself to go. Before I learned how to keep my life in balance, I was more likely to push through exhaustion in the name of productivity. But now, I’ve learned the hard way: sometimes, you just need a break.
Here are five strategies that can help you take more breaks so you can rest, recharge, and return to your work with more clarity and energy.
Know That Breaks Prevent Burnout
Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It’s about feeling disconnected from your passion. I experienced this firsthand when I worked my writing business full-time. I was overcommitted, overworked, and constantly behind. The deadlines never stopped, and neither did I—until my body and creativity gave out.
I didn’t take enough breaks, and I paid the price. I reached a point where I couldn’t even look at a blank page without feeling physically sick. That crash took me years to recover from, and I’ve promised myself never to go back there. Breaks aren’t lazy—they’re lifesaving.
Schedule Fun Like It’s Work
One of the best things I learned from The Artist’s Way is the power of the “Artist Date”—a solo, weekly outing that’s pure play. Julia Cameron calls it “assigned play,” and encourages us to treat it like mischief, not mastery.
Now, I make fun outings part of my weekly routine. Whether it’s a bookstore trip, a beach walk, or a night of music and fireworks, these playful breaks remind me to live fully, not just produce endlessly. Inspiration flows much more easily when I’m not stuck behind a screen.
Let Go of Guilt Around Rest
So many of us feel guilty when we take time off. But the truth is, you’re not meant to grind 24/7. Rest is part of the creative and productive cycle. When I reframed my time away from work as necessary, not indulgent, everything changed. I stopped dreading the break, and started looking forward to it.
Use Breaks to Reconnect With Your Senses
Breaks don’t have to be big events. Even stepping outside for ten minutes to feel the sun, smell the breeze, or listen to birdsong can restore your nervous system. The more present you are, the more nourishing the break becomes.
Honor the Seasons of Your Energy
We all have natural rhythms. Some days you’ll be energized and focused. Other days, your body or mind may be calling for more softness. Learning to listen to your own energy and honor it—without judgment—is one of the most powerful things you can do.
Taking breaks isn’t about escaping your life. It’s about remembering to live it. After a night of great music, a gorgeous beach sunset, and fireworks lighting up the sky, I sat down today to write. And the words came easy. Because I gave myself space to breathe.