THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING BREAKS

"Don't underestimate the power of resting. It builds you back, unlike anything." ― Hiral Nagda

Yeah, you guessed it! Today I am going to talk about the importance of TAKING BREAKS. 

In this crazy fast-paced world, while we may pride ourselves on being able to multi-task and handle a billion things and getting them done correctly, there will always be a point where we need to step back, take a break and breathe. If we don't do that, burnout will be right on the corner, waiting for us to fall into its arms. 

Let me tell you, burnout is no joke. SO STOP AND TAKE A FREAKING BREAK. 

I come from an academic and professional background where it was praised to work late hours and always be responsive even during holidays. Because "You are as good as your next win". So it was heavily ingrained in my brain that to be considered a good professional and therefore be respected, I needed to work hard, and by working hard, I mean overwork - which, let me tell you, is not the same. Oh my, I was wrong.... and exhausted. 

I joined Adaptive with the same mindset. What happened is... I did not book holidays because I wanted to get things done and moving. 

Let me tell you how surprised I was when Marie Downes (Adaptive Chief Talent Officer and a huge advocate of mental health) told me, "Sophia ... YOU NEED TO TAKE SOME TIME OFF" I was like: "Sorry, what ???? Are you chasing me to ... take holidays? "

Well, this was very weird and also mind-opening to me. 

From then I had a total change of mindset. I prioritise my mental health above all. Now, I take breaks when needed without any guilt or shame. 

Does that make me less productive and less good at my work? No, quite the contrary if you ask me.

Now that I am in a leadership position, I don't want my team to make the same mistakes I did in the past. I ensure they know that mental health is no joke and not something to play with. Being on the verge of burnout myself makes me an even better advocate.

Let me tell you a story:

Last time, I had a chat with a member of my team. 

They had a considerable task to handle and a tight deadline. They felt a bit stressed about it. I recommended they turn off the computer and call it a day to relax, chill, and breathe. 

And guess what? They came back the day after with a clear mind and ideas flowing! 

When I see someone stressed, especially someone in my team, that makes me feel… angry... Angry at this society, angry about the fact we are slowly killing ourselves, and totally up for it. And what for? For some potential respect. (or should I say, the idea that was ingrained in our brain)

If you are ever in a position where taking breaks is not respected, then it is time to run away because this is proper toxicity. 

So yeah, I am constantly ANNOYING my team to take breaks. I want them to feel recharged rather than burn out in front of my eyes. 

Note to my team: If you guys and girls are reading this, you know I appreciate and love you all. I will forever annoy you by reminding you to take breaks and time off. I do it for your own good, and if you are not reading this, I hope it is because you are taking a break, haha. 😂💜

You might say, "Haha, you’re funny and naive, Sophia. I have deadlines to deal with and projects to finish. It is not going to be done by itself." 

Trust me; I totally understand that. I also have very tight deadlines in my work at Adaptive and in my other businesses.

But guess what? Taking a 5-minute break, even if it sounds counterproductive, is actually the complete contrary.  

"Taking a break can lead to a breakthrough." Russell Eric Dobda

First of all, when you have a lot to handle and start to feel stressed, your brain will overheat, which can lead to burnout. Will you be able to produce anything good if you are burned out, and your mental health is heavily impacted? No. 

Now, let's take an example to illustrate my point of view. 

If your car starts overheating, will you continue driving it knowing full well it is not good and you might break it? Which will cost you much more than just going directly to the garage and getting it fixed? 

No, right? So why would you take care of material stuff better than your own self? 🧐

There is only one YOU. You only have ONE body. So treat it with love and respect. 

Take your break, step back, BREATH. 

Nothing is more important than your health and mental health. 

Not only a break will help you mentally, but it will also increase your productivity. 

Yeah, you heard me... let me say it louder for the people in the back: TAKING BREAKS WILL INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY. 

When you give your brain a chance to breathe, rest and recharge, guess what? You allow yourself to open yourself to new ideas. 

No wonder why some of our best ideas happen when we are showering, or taking a walk, or painting…!

If you are like me and working at a desk all day, taking breaks is also good for your physical health. Get away from your desk, walk, and breathe fresh air if possible. Do squats, dance, or whatever floats your boat (no judgement here). YOUR BODY WILL THANK YOU. 

So to summarise. Taking a break is beneficial for:

• your productivity,
• your mental health,
• your physical health,
• you,
• your team,
• your business.

Yes, you got it. Put down your phone, get away from your computer and go do something you enjoy for ten minutes. Your health will forever thank you for it. 

Now, if you would excuse me... after writing this article... I think it is time for me to take a break!

I would love your thoughts on taking breaks and what you do. 

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, and plenty of positivity <3 

Sophia KHETTAB

Lead Global Talent Acquisition Specialist