Taking a Break: Why You Should Actually Use Your ‘Do Not Disturb’ Button
We all have that little button on our phones that’s just begging to be used: the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature. And yet, it’s nearly impossible to actually use it. You think: “What if I miss something important?” The truth is, you’re missing out on the most important thing, your peace of mind. Let’s chat about why turning off the world for a bit could be your best decision this month.
1. Create a “Time Out” Zone—For Real, Take a Timeout
Remember those moments in elementary school when your teacher would say, “Take a timeout to calm down”? As adults, we don’t get timeouts (unless you count closing the bathroom door), but you need one. Take time away from your partner, your work, your notifications. Take a mental timeout. Reboot. Even 20 minutes of sitting in silence, doing absolutely nothing, can feel like a mini-vacation for your brain.
2. The Ego State Reset—You’re Not Just One Person
Sometimes life’s chaos pulls you in multiple directions, which makes sense in the context of ego states. You can be the responsible “parent,” the playful “child,” and the competent “adult” all in one day. But there’s a difference between healthy transitions and burnout. When you take a break, you’re essentially hitting the reset button on those different parts of you. It's like changing the batteries in your remote, things work better afterward!
3. Your Partner Needs a Break Too—That’s the Secret to Staying Sane Together
A well-rested partner is like a unicorn. Rare, magical, and capable of all kinds of things (like remembering where they put their keys). If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s hard to be your best self for your partner. Give them the space to recharge. Even if it’s just a solo walk or a few quiet moments with a book, it works wonders.
Taking a break is often viewed as a luxury, but in reality, it’s a necessity for mental health. Without breaks, you risk burnout, resentment, and a steady decline into zombie-like status. “Taking a timeout isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-respect.” You’re allowed to say, “Hey, I need a moment.” The world will keep spinning without you for a little while.
Remember that your ego isn’t just one role, but a combination of many. “Taking a break isn’t just about physical rest, it’s about recharging all parts of yourself.” A mental reboot helps you handle life’s chaos from a more grounded place, so you can transition between your different roles more smoothly.
Also, "When your partner rests, you both rest." You can’t give your best if you’re constantly running on empty. So, help each other out, taking breaks is a team effort. In the end, the most restful relationships are the ones that allow for solo space, while still staying connected.
