It’s Important to Take a Break, Especially from Things You Love to Do

Or, How an Extended Break from Medium Gave Me Much Needed Time to Reboot, Readjust and Revitalize.

To anyone who was or is still following me on Medium; I’m back.

I’ve been away. Specifically, I’ve been out in the wild west of New Mexico learning about herbal medicine, organic gardening (including composting) and how it can still snow despite being in a mostly desert climate. HINT: If you’re looking to avoid snow, maybe don’t wanderlust toward a ski valley.

But, much more importantly, I’ve relished in taking time away from news media (aka the research for many of my writings on Medium). Thank all the gods for the lack of (or just incredible pockets of agonizingly slow) wifi. Honestly, I never thought I’d be saying this, especially as a writer attempting to make a living in regards to writing, but I’m glad I took a break from doing what I love.

This may seem counterintuitive. I admit at first it felt that way for me too, especially since it felt like I was beginning to gain some momentum. I was asked to join and even began writing through a couple publications on Medium. But soon, I recognized that I was putting a lot of pressure on myself.

It makes sense why I would do that to myself. It feels like in order to do anything on any social platform these days, we must rely on digital and cultural algorithms where a certain level of consistency supposedly equals relevancy which perhaps multiplies likes and shares. Couple this with the (outdated) western work “ethic” (but more like pressure) of 40 hour work weeks (closer to 47 hours now), then add in old timey adages like “Idle hands” and many wonder why burnout is happening, especially amongst millennials.

Recently, I’ve found my aggravation increasing upon hearing some people talk about how if one loves doing something so much, not only will one find a way to do it but said one will also do their best to live and breathe said thing they love to do. In a surprise, at least to me, I also discovered that many folks my age (those darn millennials) are working way over overtime, positioning themselves as a “work martyr.” Yikes!

But, I will admit that I understand the sentiment behind that thought process. It’s partially motivated by increasingly unattainable yet supposedly, simple one-bedroom apartment goals. This is on top of sometimes feeling the (dumb) need to prove we’re not lazy, despite being saddled with those (dumb) word associations in the past.

But, after taking some time to live in nature, I’ve come to learn that breaks are essential, perhaps even paramount, especially to those in fields of creativity, which includes writing.

As it just so happens, there is research to back up these bold claims. Yes, that was sarcasm.

Turns out, allowing the mind to wander is essential to generating new ideas. Being too busy definitely does not foster time for the mind to relax and wander. This is exactly why many often feel like good ideas pop up in the shower! Another hindrance to creativity is information overload. According to a book titled The Organized Mind by neuroscientist Daniel Levitin,

“Americans consumed five times as much information as 25 years prior; outside of work we process roughly 100,000 words every day.”

Double yikes!

For artists in particular, but everyone in general, taking breaks are essential. But leisure time has become much more challenging to accomplish, especially in this so-called age of information. According to an article by Derek Beres on Big Think,

“Engaging creatively requires hitting the reset button, which means carving space in your day for lying around, meditating, or staring off into nothing. This is impossible when every free moment—at work, in line, at a red light—you’re reaching for your phone. Your brain’s attentional system becomes accustomed to constant stimulation; you grow antsy and irritable when you don’t have that input. You’re addicted to busyness.”

It may sound crazy, or even like nonsense, but a growing number of people are suggesting that being addicted to being busy is a VERY real phenomena. Oddly enough (but not surprising), looking to stay busy may possibly be a way for us to avoid reflecting on and acknowledging truths within our lives, at least according to Dr. Lissa Rankin’s article in Psychology Today.

Because I allowed myself an extended break from writing, I’m able to come back to it with fresh perspectives and a clear mind. I’m also able to come back because I didn’t smother myself in my passion. To be clear, I’m not advocating for laziness. I am also not suggesting that taking nearly a year (or more) off is the way to go.

All I’m saying is that sometimes it’s necessary to step back in order to gain perspective. Take a look at the reasoning behind the extended hiatus of the ever popular YouTube series Epic Rap Battles of History.

It may sound daunting to take a break (which is a sad commentary on today’s cultural work habits), but I promise it is much needed every now and then. So don’t be afraid to stare at the wall, daydream, or go traveling around the Land of Enchantment like I did. Your creative juices will be flowing again in no time, and you probably won’t feel as jaded or stressed out about doing the thing you love.

Thank you for reading. Regardless if you’re not following me or have been but wondering where I disappeared to, feel free to jump on the train because I’m back and will be sharing some thoughts on a semi-regular basis again. Hooray!

Don’t be afraid to check out some past articles I’ve written below. But…no worries, no obligation, no stress. Thank you for being.