This week, as my daughter returned to school after the holidays, I was struck by her contagious excitement. She jumped out of bed, ready to hit the ground running with anticipation as she talked about reuniting with friends, catching up on their holiday activities and what subjects they will be learning about this term. It was a reminder of the unfiltered energy that comes from taking a break, and the energy that can transform the mundane into something more. As she shared her excitement on Monday morning, I was also stepping back into my own routine and surprisingly, felt the same renewed spirit bubbling away.
Just like her, I had taken a moment to recharge, and now was ready to jump back into work with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Reminding me that taking a break isn’t just about stepping away, it’s about returning to our lives with a renewed passion and excitement for what is to come.
Returning from a break can provide distance that can make once insurmountable challenges seem manageable, but it also unlocks creativity in unexpected ways. When I sat back down at my desk after my week off, I noticed that tasks that I had been wrestling with now appeared to be more approachable. With a fresh perspective I could see opportunities where I had previously seen obstacles and felt that I was better able to communicate that to my team. I came up with better questions, thought things through differently, and had the confidence to stand behind my thinking.
As we stepped back into our routines this week, there was a sense of readiness, a feeling that we could tackle whatever came our way this week. For me, the break had realigned my priorities and ambitions with what I wanted to achieve for the remainder of this year, both personally and professionally. At work on Monday I felt a surge of motivation to dive back into projects that I had felt mentally blocked on before I went on leave.
However, not every return feels rejuvenating. Sometimes, when you step back into your routine you may find yourself feeling drained or uninspired. This disconnection from the excitement can be a telling sign that it might be time to reevaluate your current situation. Are you feeling restless because you need a new challenge? Is your work still aligned with your passions and goals? This could be an opportunity for introspection – an invitation to explore what else is out there. Taking a break often brings clarity about where you stand in your professional journey prompting questions about growth, fulfillment and the potential for change. If this feeling is a little more familiar to you, it may be time to start reevaluating your situation whether that means pursuing a different role, diving into a new project, or even redefining your career trajectory all together.
If an extended break isn’t possible right now there are still ways to recharge. Can you take a long weekend or add an extra day of leave to an upcoming public holiday? Even finishing at lunch time one day could give you the space you need to reset. Sometimes, even the smallest breaks can make a big difference. Taking a proper lunch break, stepping outside for a quick walk or simply getting away from your desk for a few moments can provide enough mental rest to come back refreshed. These moments of pause can help you approach the afternoon or a challenging project with fresh eyes and renewed energy.
Ultimately the beauty in taking a break is understanding that it’s not just about stepping away, it’s about coming back stronger, more inspired, and more aligned with yourself. It’s about embracing the cycle of rest and work and recognizing that both are essential to living a fulfilling life. So, whether you’re planning your next getaway or simply taking a weekend to yourself, remember the nature of pause. Embrace it and you’ll hopefully find the beauty in every moment at work and at play upon your return!
