How to Take a BreakSample

Taking a break needs to be a habit. John Brandon says as much in his book. “You don’t create good habits. They create you.” When thinking about taking breaks, nothing could be more true. Taking breaks, or not taking breaks, creates who you are. Do you do your best work when you’re running on empty? You most certainly do not. Breaks can either fuel you to be your best, or the lack of breaks can bring out your worst.

The first person to tell you to schedule breaks was God. God took a break when he created the world. Scripture tells us that God rested on the seventh day. God-ordained breaks date back to the 13th century B.C. when Moses was on Mount Sinai. It was here that God gave Moses the ten commandments. The fourth Commandment is: Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

God built a day of rest into our lives. He knew we would need it. In his divine way, God made this routine for us. God watches our lives and sees us running in what sometimes looks like a hamster wheel. We are busy and consumed with tasks and responsibilities. The routine of worship and rest allows us to see what truly matters for eternity. Breaks also renew us so we can continue to do our work well. 

The Sabbath was made for man (Mark 2:27). It wasn’t made to be a rigid law or rule. It certainly wasn’t created to bring about unreasonable expectations. Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath in that the Sabbath points to the rest Jesus gives. Jesus became our rest because he secured our salvation. We are set free in Christ. 

With this in mind, schedule breaks from work to simply renew yourself. Take a walk. Breathe deeply. Snuggle your children. Write in a journal. Do what uplifts and energizes you so you can be diligent in the work God has given you on this earth.