You know you need to rest. You fully understand the importance of giving yourself a break and caring for yourself in addition to your loved one. And yet… every time you tell yourself you’re going to take a break, something comes up. A shout from the other room. Someone needs something. An accident. An email that can’t wait. And the day slips by once again, a blurry stack of one stress-packed moment on top of another. “Tomorrow,” you promise yourself as you fall into bed two hours later than you had wanted. You’ll get some rest tomorrow.

If this sounds like you, we get it. It sounds like us too. And sometimes the idea of taking a break (and figuring out what that break looks like) feels more stressful than not taking a break at all.

But, even with your craziest schedule and on your busiest day, we are here to remind you that a break is always, always, always worth it. You will feel better after taking the rest you deserve. Always.

And for the moments that you know you need a break but can’t be bothered to think of how to take one… we’ve got you covered.

Here are 50 ways to take a break:

1. 1. Take a walk around the block.

   2. Get a cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop. Bonus points for sitting down and enjoying the whole cup there.

   3. Go for a bike ride.

   4. Start a new book.

   5. Find an old book you’ve loved before and start it again.

   6. Take a shower.

   7. Buy a magazine and flip through the whole thing, cover to cover.

   8. Go for a run.

   9. Try a free yoga class online.

   10. Turn on Netflix and watch the first new show that’s recommended to you.

   11. Write a journal entry.

   12. Close the door, turn off the lights, and get comfortable. Then, set an alarm and try to pay attention to your breath for five whole minutes.

   13. Make chocolate chip cookies.

   14. Stretch for 15 minutes.

   15. Listen to your favorite music and dance any way that feels good.

   16. Get a pedicure.

   17. Go to your nearest park and sit on a bench. Observe how nature moves around you.

   18. Put on your favorite movie from your childhood.

   19. Change into comfy clothes, make yourself a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy it on the couch.

   20. Try a wall-assisted handstand and see how long you can hold it. Repeat five times.

   21. Take a trip into town and window shop.

   22. Draw a self-portrait.

   23. Color in a coloring book.

   24. Pull up a seat next to a window, and enjoy a meal in complete silence.

   25. Listen to an audiobook.

   26. Get a massage.

   27. Take a drive around town and listen to the radio.

   28. Call an old friend.

   29. Learn to crochet really cute yarn animals.

   30. Write a letter to someone you love.

   31. Rest on the bed or the floor with your legs up on the wall.

   32. Learn calligraphy with a pencil and practice your most beautiful lettering.

   33. Turn your phone on airplane mode and lay down to take a nap. Whether you fall asleep or not, the intention to rest is what matters.

   34. Listen to a guided meditation.

   35. Do 30 jumping jacks, 16 squats, and 10 push-ups. Repeat three times.

   36. Make a pot of tea and enjoy a cup outside.

   37. Open the windows.

   38. Take a bubble bath.

   39. Paint a landscape with watercolors.

   40. Write a poem about your family.

   41. Make a list of 10 things you’re grateful for.

   42. Apply your favorite lotion to your entire body. Take your time rubbing it in.

   43. Listen to a podcast episode while you take a stroll through the neighborhood.

   44. Catch up with a family member.

   45. Buy yourself flowers.

   46. Make yourself a smoothie with three of your favorite fruits.

   47. Learn how to make a paper crane.

   48. Try your hand at the day’s crossword puzzle.

   49. Create your own bullet journal.

   50. Turn of all the lights and light a candle with your favorite scent.

Ready to prioritize your well-being? Download our free digital download and let it be your friendly reminder to step away for a break. Remember, short breaks can boost productivity and reduce stress. Your mind and body will thank you!

Below is a sneek-peek of our free digital download.



      Click on the image or here to save and print your copy today!

NorthShore Tip: Stick one to the fridge and cross them off as you go, reprint and keep it going :)