sit for a sec
If one of my friends is reading this, they are probably LOLing that I included my “sit for a sec” as a blog post - this is definitely a “Lauren-ism”. But, hear me out…
When I finish a task, or feel overwhelmed, or when too much is coming at me at once and I need to recalibrate or collect my thoughts… I tall anyone in my space that I need to “sit for a sec” aka Lauren code for… I need a moment to myself. Not quite a rest, but certainly a break.
Breaks are essential for your productivity, creativity and health. Breaks help you prevent burnout, be more productive and even make better decisions. You'll be surprised at how much more you get done when you take regular breaks.
Don’t be afraid to speak up because breaks and taking some time for yourself does more than help to prevent burnout, it also can help you to be more productive overall! #fact
Breaks will allow your mind to process information better than if you were constantly thinking about one thing all day long, or allowing all of the outside world to infiltrate your attention. Taking short breaks (“Sit for a sec”) helps to improve concentration overall so that when we return back refreshed from them we are far better at focusing and staying on task.
“Sitting for a sec” isn’t a nap (which I also love, but that’s a blog for another day). Sitting for a sec should not take longer than 10 minutes at a time, and could include some breath work or a quick stretch or movement.
Additional benefits? There are many…
In the short term, breaks can prevent injuries and other physical problems that may arise from overworking. For example, if you're working on a computer all day long with no breaks in between tasks and your eyes are getting tired or strained, taking frequent breaks will help reduce eye strain.
In the long term (and this is where it gets interesting), regular breaks might even help prevent burnout or stress-related illnesses like headaches or migraines (and even back pain). Research has shown that people who take regular breaks tend to be healthier overall than those who don't take any break at all—in fact, one study found that workers whose employers allowed them to take "permanent" breaks had a 33% lower risk of dying from heart disease than those who had no such option!
Also, to say that you need to “Sit for a Sec'“ honestly feels empowering. You are taking control of your life, schedule and mental health. You have identified your need, and prioritized your need ahead of all others. In doing so, you have just told yourself how important you are to yourself and made a committment to better health.
So today, consider implementing “Sit for a Sec” and give your brain some rest. There are so many benefits of doing so, from improved creativity and focus to healthier living. Even if you don’t want or need a break from work, taking time to relax can help keep your mind sharp and focused on what’s important. So go ahead--take that break and SIT FOR A SEC!