Mind Break: Signs, Method and Benefits

Everyone can use a mind break sometimes. Whether we are in a meeting, in a class or even doing a house chore. Breaks allow us to regain our focus, relieve exhaustion and enhance creativity. This blog is your sign to take a mental break right now!

What is a mind break?

Mind break is a periodic break of 1-2 minutes which can allow you to recover strength and reclaim your focus back. It is a short form of meditation. Whereas meditation is done usually in the morning or at night, you can take a mental break at any time of the day. 

Meditation is defined as a practice, in which an individual uses any technique such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object or thought or activity. It is done to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state. You can read about meditation here. 

Signs you need a mind break:

1. Feeling tired most of the time. 
2. Constantly feeling sick or unwell.
3. Lack any enthusiasm or motivation.
4. Neglecting yourself and your body.
5. You do not have the energy to be sociable. 
6. Not able to focus on a task.
7. Finding it hard to be present.
8. Easily irritated.
9. Small tasks feel overwhelming.

What are the types of brain break?

There are three types of mind breaks:

1. Physical mind break:

It includes physical movement or any type of activity. Examples include; running, yoga, jumping or any type of physical games. 

2. Breathing mind break:

These types of mental breaks focus on your breathing. E.g, deep breathing, muscle relaxation, gentle stretching of back and neck.

3. Mental mind break:

It involves switching from a high concentration task to a lower concentration one.
Examples of mental mind break include; jokes, simple conversations with a friend or anyone you are around with, playing any type of games. 

What type of mind break should I take?

All of these types of breaks help in providing a quick focus change and a way to add needed breaks during periods of high concentration.

Using a mix of these brain break activities may be the most beneficial throughout the day. However, it depends on the type of place you are in, your availability, time and suitability. You can choose any of the types of mental breaks for you. 

How to take a mental break?

Changing your posture can offer a brain break opportunity even without equipment. You can see a couple of  flexible seating ideas here. Additionally, You can also try the combination of the following ideas for a quick mindful break:

• Laying on the floor on belly
• Sit on a therapy ball while working
• Go for a short walk in your house
• Play with your pet
• Talk to a loved one 
• Practice mindfulness for a minute or two
• Listen to a song 
• Drink a glass of water 
• Colour 
• Write 3 things you are grateful for
• Jump on a trampoline or a mattress
• Eat a snack (can be your favourite one)
• Download some mind break worksheets online 
• Try the 54321 exercise of counting sensory feelings. 

What are the benefits of taking a mind break?

• It can help in reducing stress and frustration. 
• Brain Breaks show a marked decrease in anxiety.
• It can restore low energy and the feeling of being tired. According to research taking a break does indeed have restorative benefits. 
• It helps in bringing more productivity, even during a task, at work or in school. 
• Mental Breaks improves memory. It has been shown that short, repeated sessions of learning with breaks increase your concentration and facilitate the memorization of new contents.

Conclusion:

Mind break is a great way to enlighten your day and mood. It is very easy to take one and can be done anywhere. It helps with re-energizing, boosting productivity and preventing a brain freeze. With the numerous ideas for a refreshing mental break mentioned, do not wait to try it right now!

Also read: Spiritual Rings: A Guideline For Each Finger