Why You Need To Give Your Brain a Break

Lisa Franchi April 05, 2013

Working more than 48 hours a week doubles the load of stress, a fact that puts many people at risk of heart disease and mental illness.

Europe has definitely some of the most amazing holiday laws. For instance, if you work at a McDonald’s restaurant in Europe, you are entitled to a fully paid do-over (something you wouldn’t get if you work at McDonald’s in the US). But the privilege does not end there. If you become unfit during your paid annual leave, you are still given another period of paid holiday, or the so-called ‘sick leave’.

But the saying that Europeans are lazy is nothing but a myth, explained Joe Robinson, author of “Work to Live: The Guide to Getting a Life”. According to him, the truth is that Europeans get more work done in less time. Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Norway are among the countries in Europe that are considered more efficient and productive than the US. Companies in these countries employ management techniques that provide an avenue for more work but at the same time, more holidays.

Still, more and more people say that they get a lot of stress from work, despite the holiday privileges provided to them by their managers and employers. It’s because most of them choose to carry their work and ‘work mentality’ to their holiday. While enjoying the refreshing breeze at the beach, some people can’t help but think of the unfinished paperwork in the office. Good thing they brought with them their laptops – hence, they can check important email updates and continue making the presentation while sipping some beer and eating barbecue. This happens for the entire holiday period until it’s time to get back to work.

Why your brain needs to rest

But even though procrastination may seem like a waste of time, you still need it to recharge your batteries. You need quality relaxation to relieve the stress and put your brain at rest, because just like your body, it also gets tired.

So you wouldn’t feel ‘guilty’ for having taken a day off from work, here are the five top reasons why you should give yourself a break:

· The best ideas are formed in a relaxed state of mind. This is probably the reason why many people experience the ‘aha’ moments in the shower, or while they are lying on bed. If you are stressed and all, you are less likely to think of greater ideas. But when you are in a relaxed state, your brain has an active dopamine system, the region associated with the formation of creative ideas.

· When you’re relaxed, your brain becomes more resilient. Just like your muscles, your brain needs to take a break and recover from stress, or else, it’ll get worn out. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing are some of the most effective ways to let your mind rest.

· Holiday recharges your batteries. Too much stress can take a toll on your health and lead you to depression, heart disease, obesity, digestive problems, and other chronic diseases. Taking time to unwind and recharge your batteries can greatly improve your immune system and protect you from different illnesses.

· Relaxation improves your brain health. After facing the computer for many hours, make sure to stop working for a while and give your brain a few moments to recharge. The effects of stress is cumulative – the more stressed you are, the more damage it can cause your brain. Poor concentration and low energy levels are signs that your brain is under serious stress.

· Relaxation gives your brain more time to process information. When your mind is at rest, your brain becomes more able to process information and convert them into permanent, long-term memories.

Simple strategies to relax your mind:

When a week-long holiday appears to be very impossible, there are simple strategies you can do at home or in the office that can significantly reduce the strain in your brain and make you feel incredibly relaxed. Start with your diet. There are some foods that can soothe your mind and bolster your energy levels, such as water, herbal tea, fruits and vegetables. Chocolates can have a relaxing effect too, as long as you keep your consumption on moderate amounts. Aromatherapy can help as well. The sweet scent of lavender can make you feel calm in mind and body. Practising mindfulness meditation is another way to recharge your mind. According to research, meditation stimulates physical changes in the brain that promote memory and cognition. Other ways relax your mind are moderate exercising, nature tripping, listening to good music, and spending quality time with friends or family.

Dear Readers,

What are the things you do whenever you feel stressed? Can you suggest effective therapies or strategies to combat stress?

Share your comment below.