8 times in life when the only thing to do is take a break and disconnect, according to psychology
In the fast-paced world we live in, the idea of taking a break can sometimes feel like a luxury we can’t afford.
Yet, there are moments when stepping back and disconnecting is not just a choice, but a necessity.
These aren’t always the moments you’d expect—sometimes they come during times of success or when life seems overwhelming.
Understanding when to take these breaks is crucial for preserving your mental and emotional health.
Whether it’s due to stress, major life changes, or even periods of success, knowing when to pause can make all the difference in how you move forward.
Here are 8 times when disconnecting is exactly what you need to do.
1) When stress becomes overwhelming
We all experience stress, it’s a normal part of life. But when it becomes overwhelming and starts to affect your mental and physical health, it’s time to hit the pause button.
Stress can manifest in many ways – headaches, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and even changes in your appetite.
If you’re noticing these signs, it could be your body’s way of telling you it’s time to take a break.
Psychology points out that chronic stress can lead to more severe health issues down the line, such as heart disease and depression.
So, taking time to disconnect and relax isn’t just about feeling better in the moment, it’s about protecting your future health too.
2) During periods of success and achievement
This might seem odd, but yes, even during times of success and achievement, it can be beneficial to take a step back and disconnect.
Success often comes with a rush of adrenaline, excitement, and busyness. You’re on a roll, things are going great, so why stop now? Well, because continuous pushing without taking the time to reflect can lead to burnout.
Psychology tells us that it’s just as important to rest and rejuvenate during periods of success as it is during times of stress or struggle. Success can blind us to our limits and needs for rest.
Taking a break provides an opportunity to appreciate what you’ve achieved and ensures you’re not just moving from one goal to the next without pausing to celebrate your victories.
So next time you’re riding high on a wave of achievement, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself.
Disconnect, rest, and enjoy the fruits of your labor before diving back in.
3) When decision-making becomes difficult
Have you ever noticed that making decisions becomes exponentially harder when you’re tired or stressed?
You’re not alone. This is because our brains have a limited capacity for decision-making each day.
The more decisions you make, the harder each one becomes for your brain to process. This is known as decision fatigue. It can lead to poor choices, impulsivity, or complete indecision.
So if you find yourself stuck, unable to decide what to have for dinner, let alone make bigger life decisions, it might be time to take a break.
Disconnecting allows your brain to rest and replenish its decision-making abilities.
By giving your mind a pause from the constant barrage of choices, you’re more likely to make better decisions when you do reconnect.
4) After a major life event
Life has a habit of throwing curveballs. Whether it’s a job loss, a breakup, a death of a loved one, or even a happy event like the birth of a child or a wedding, these major life changes can disrupt your normal routine and feelings of stability.
It’s completely normal to feel a whirlwind of emotions during these times. You might feel joy, sadness, fear, excitement – often all at once.
It’s important to give yourself permission to take a break during these moments. To disconnect from the rest of the world and create space for your feelings.
You don’t have to rush through these periods or put on a brave face. It’s okay to take time for yourself to process what’s happened. It’s okay to cry, laugh, scream, or just be still.
5) When boredom strikes
Boredom. We’ve all been there. Staring at the clock, waiting for time to pass, feeling stuck in a rut. It seems counter-productive, but taking a break might be exactly what you need.
Often, when we’re bored, it’s because we’re not feeling challenged or stimulated by our current situation.
But instead of trying to fill every minute with activities or distractions, consider taking a break to disconnect.
This isn’t about lazing around doing nothing (although that’s okay too!).
It’s about breaking away from your usual routine and giving yourself the opportunity to explore new interests, ideas, or perspectives.
Taking a break when you’re bored can actually spark creativity and innovation.
It gives your mind the freedom to wander and dream, without the constraints of your regular schedule.
6) When relationships become strained
We’ve all experienced those times when our relationships feel more like battles than bonds.
Maybe it’s a constant disagreement with a co-worker, a heated argument with your spouse, or feeling misunderstood by a close friend.
In my own life, I remember a time when every conversation with a loved one turned into an argument. It felt like we were speaking different languages, and the more we tried to communicate, the worse it got.
Sometimes, the best thing to do in these situations is to take a break. To step back and disconnect from the situation to gain perspective.
This isn’t about running away from the problem, but rather giving yourself space to think and approach the situation with a clear mind.
Taking this pause can help you reflect on your own feelings and actions and consider the other person’s perspective. It can help reduce tension and allow for more constructive conversations when you reconnect.
7) When you’re neglecting self-care
Let’s get real here. If you’re constantly running on empty, skipping meals, missing out on sleep, or forgetting the last time you did something just for the joy of it, it’s time to take a serious break.
Self-care is not a luxury or an indulgence. It’s a necessity for your overall well-being.
You may think you’re being productive by putting everyone else’s needs before your own, but in reality, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Being always available and responsive can lead to burnout. It’s important to set boundaries and carve out time for yourself.
This isn’t selfish; it’s vital for maintaining your physical and mental health.
8) When your intuition tells you to
At the end of the day, you know yourself better than anyone else.
Sometimes, you just have an instinctual feeling that you need a break. And it’s crucial to listen to that intuition.
Your gut feelings aren’t just random.
They’re your subconscious mind picking up on signals that your conscious mind may have missed.
If something inside of you is telling you to take a break and disconnect, there’s probably a good reason for it.
Don’t ignore these feelings or push them aside.
Trust yourself and your ability to understand what you need. Take that break, disconnect from the noise, and give yourself the space to breathe.
Conclusion
Learning to recognize the right moments to take a break is more than just a strategy—it’s a form of self-care that ensures you’re functioning at your best.
It’s easy to get caught up in the rhythm of constant activity, but without moments of rest, that rhythm can lead to burnout.
By giving yourself permission to step back during these critical times, you’re not only preserving your well-being but also setting yourself up for greater success in the long run.
Taking a break isn’t about avoiding life’s challenges; it’s about recharging so you can face them with renewed energy and clarity.