Stress affects just about everyone. The American Institute of Stress estimates 80 percent of adults in the United States experience stress on a regular basis. Worldwide, the World Health Organization reports that more than 75 percent of adults experience stress at some point in their lives.
Health woes, employment, politics, and negative news all can contribute to people feeling stressed. So can engaging in a daily routine that elicits the “Groundhog Day” effect, or when each day seems like a carbon copy of the one before. Finding ways to take a break from a daily routine can help individuals become happier and healthier.
Think about a new job
If work obligations are eating into personal time and responsibilities are growing exponentially, it might be time to seek a new path that offers a better work-life balance.
Focus on self-care
People need to dedicate time for activities that help them unwind, such as meditation, yoga, reading, or taking a walk outside. Just a few minutes of self-care each day can help. Individuals can incorporate some deep-breathing exercises into a lunch hour or use time after dinner to stroll the neighborhood with the dog or family to decompress.
Make time for hobbies
Individuals can treat hobbies and other interests just as they would personal or work obligations. Add time for hobbies to your daily calendar and assign them the same significance as work-related tasks.
Prioritize exercise
The Mayo Clinic says exercise can alleviate stress and release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Exercise also can clear the brain by helping a person focus on movements instead of worries. Make exercise a non-negotiable component of daily life. Taking the stairs, walking to work or school, parking further away from stores in parking lots, and doing little bursts of activity several times a day can ensure exercise becomes part of the routine.
Utilize personal and sick time
Many people are letting their vacation and other personal days go to waste. A 2023 survey released by the fintech lending firm Sorbet found that 62 percent of American workers with personal time off (PTO) did not use it all. Plus, 5.5 percent did not take any time off the previous year. Fears of falling behind and pressures to appear dedicated are driving these behaviors. According to the invoicing company Skynova, the average American takes 14 days off from work a year while Europeans take 24 days. Using all personal time is definitely a way to take a break from the daily grind.
It is important to take breaks from routine to recharge and enjoy a different outlook on life.
