Almost two years ago, during my second cancer diagnosis, I realised my body was trying to tell me something. I was stopped in my tracks and forced to take a break. Midlife Interrupted. I’ve never been particularly good at resting – I’d push through, rarely even stopping for lunch at work. I set myself relentless goals – from marathon challenges to knitting my dream jumper at record speed or learning something new on top of a full on schedule. And for many of us in this joy of midlife, there’s a constant juggle of a myriad of things.
All too often, life forces us to stop, pause, and take a break. One friend literally had her break when she tripped on a step and broke her arm. She’d been juggling everything – unsociable hours and being a good mother, daughter, wife, and friend – she needed a break, she just didn’t expect the one she got, Another friend saw the signs and booked her own pause: time away in sunny climes to decompress and relax on a solo trip.
And sometimes the signs come from the people around us. A friend was so consumed by social media that she wasn’t present in conversations with her family – they called her out on this. I’ve been guilty of this recently, too.
We often think of a break as a holiday or a weekend away – and yes, those are wonderful. But sometimes it’s simply stepping away from everyday responsibilities, the self-imposed to-do list and the fact that we are always ‘on’ thanks to phones and social media – instead finding calm in small, intentional ways can give us the break we need.
So how do you know which kind of break you need?
If you’re not feeling 100%, it helps to check in with how you’re feeling:
Physical: Do I feel achy, drained, or as if my body never fully recovers?
Mental: Am I overthinking or struggling to switch my brain off?
Sensory: Do screens, noise, or clutter feel overwhelming?
Creative/Productive: Do I feel uninspired, stuck, or out of ideas?
Emotional: Am I carrying feelings I haven’t expressed?
Social: Do people leave me drained or am I lonely and craving connection?
Complete recharge: Do I need a change of scenery and an escape from the norm?
Wherever you answered “yes,” that’s your sign. That’s the break you need. At least that’s how I’m measuring my needs right now.
How to get the break you need
01
Physical break
Sometimes our bodies need to stop: a nap, an early night, or ten minutes lying down. Other times, movement is good – a walk, some yoga or some stretching (especially helpful if all you have done is sit at a desk for hours)
02
Mental break
When your brain has a million tabs open, it might be time for a mental break. Step away from work (if you can’t completely step away, try to for 10 mins at least), turn off notifications (or better, your phone), empty thoughts onto paper so your mind can switch off. Even some mindfulness can work wonders or escaping into nature for a walk.
03
Sensory break
With bright screens, constant ‘noise’, and if you’re surrounded by clutter, a sensory break might mean switching it all off. Sit in silence, dim the lights, leave your phone in another room, or just close your eyes.
04
Creative/Productive break
If you’re stuck in problem-solving mode or feeling flat, you may need to take a break from being productive. It can help feed imagination, see things from a new perspective. Some ways to do this: Walk in nature, listen to music, read for pleasure, knit, bake or wander a gallery/museum.
05
Emotional break
Cry, rant to a friend, journal – whatever it is you need to let out, to relieve bottled up feelings then do it in the way that works for you.
06
Social break
Sometimes we crave company; sometimes we desperately need space. A social break is choosing which one you need.
07
Complete Recharge
Sometimes what we really need isn’t just a nap, a quiet hour, or a mindful walk, its a full change of scenery. That’s when a holiday, weekend away, or retreat comes in. Travel lets you properly step out of routines, soak up new surroundings, and return with fresh energy.
Whatever kind of break you need, it isn’t wasted time — it’s called looking after yourself. Which is why I’ve just spent a weekend in Copenhagen, seeing old friends, wandering the city and eating delicious food. I needed a break.