Write2Ignite

Life can get crazy sometimes. Obligations, unexpected circumstances, appointments, and just living life in general can keep our plates full. This craziness can definitely hinder our writing, especially if deadlines are looming. I suggest, it’s time to take a break!

A break? But wouldn’t that be counterproductive when there’s so much to do? No. Here’s why.

Taking a Break Clears the Head

Sometimes with so much going on, we can’t think straight. And when we can’t think straight, we can’t concentrate on the task at hand. Our mind ends up wandering, thinking of everything else. But when you take a break and give yourself a change of scenery, your mind has a chance to relax and look at things from a different perspective.

I had a lot on my mind the other day. There were just too many things going on. So I took a quick break outside to sit and look at our chickens. They have no cares in the world. As long as they have water and food (and they get a chance to free range), they’re content. And you know what? In just a handful of minutes, my mind cleared up because I was not focusing on me.

Taking a Break Gives You an Opportunity to Pray

There are times when our circumstances are beyond our control. We know this, and yet we worry. Taking a break to pray is vital for Christians. We need that infusion of the Holy Spirit to refresh and renew. We need to follow 1 Peter 5:7, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” We also need to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).”

It’s sad that too many times we forget that taking a break and connecting with God is so beneficial!

Taking a Break Doesn’t Have to Take Too Long to Refocus

Sometimes, a few minutes is all you need to get your mind refocused. Other times you may need a little bit more. Take a nap, get out of the house, take a walk, read a chapter of a favorite book. Just do something that will force you to look away for a moment to allow you to see things more clearly.

An eye doctor told me many years ago that looking at one object for too long can strain your eyes. He advised me to take a break every so often and look away at something in the distance. This changes the focal length in the eye, reducing the strain. We need to do this ourselves when things get too hectic. Taking a short break gives us that time to “look away,” to stretch and strengthen our muscles, so to speak, so we can see things with sharper eyes.

A crazy life seems to be par for the course nowadays. But when we take a break and take time to clear the head, pray, and refocus, we can get back on track with renewed energy to do the things we need to do in a more productive way. Happy writing

How does taking a break help you?

Unsplash photo credits: Luis Villasmil, Jeremy Perkins, and David Travis. Chicken photo courtesy of the author.

Catherine L. Osornio has written inspirational articles for a women’s ministry newsletter, over 200 leveled reader stories for a school’s reading program, fiction and nonfiction articles for Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z, Thunder Comes a Rumblin’, Mosquitoes Infect!, plus various work-for-hire projects. Her new hi-lo book, Danger on Martin Mountain, will be released in the fall of 2025. A former elementary school librarian, Catherine is passionate about sharing the love of reading. She enjoys cartooning, illustration, and reading kids’ books. Email her at CLOsornio@verizon.net or visit her at www.catherineosornio.com.