Take a break, before you break!

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A couple of years ago, I had a major incident where I became so consumed by my work that I completely ignored the warning signs my body was sending me. I was so focused on my tasks that I didn’t even notice my health deteriorating. Eventually, this led to me being rushed from the office directly to the emergency room. At that moment, I realized that all the things I had considered critical at work were actually inconsequential. I was forced to take a two-week break to recover. During this time, it was incredibly challenging for me to detach from work.

Despite my situation, I still checked on some of my tasks and answered phone calls, unable to fully let go. I was also studying my master's at the time, and it was exam time. I never liked taking re-exams as I knew it would lower my grades. And guess what, I still went and took all my exams. It was the most stressful and painful experience I have made myself go through. I am MEAN to Me sometimes.

Reflecting on that period, I should have learned a crucial lesson about the importance of self-care and the necessity of taking time to recharge. Fast forward to today, and this is the first time I have genuinely taken a REAL break and completely disconnected from all work-related matters. In the past, I either didn’t take a break at all or stayed involved in work to some extent.

But this time, I made a conscious decision to cut myself off from everything related to work. No WhatsApp or email or phone. And what a difference it has made! This break has been a true period of rest and reflection. I’ve given myself the opportunity to relax, reflect, and simply enjoy my downtime. I realized how much I needed this break. Listening to your body and granting it the rest it demands is crucial. If you don’t, you risk pushing yourself to the point of breaking down.

Taking this time off has reminded me that it’s essential to balance work and personal well-being. Without proper rest and self-care, productivity and overall health will inevitably suffer. So, I am committed to making self-care a priority moving forward, ensuring that I take regular breaks to maintain my physical and mental well-being.

Ye Esua Guzo

By Yordanos Seifu