Gimme A Break
š I write about redefining success for overwhelmed working parents. I offer practical wisdom to break society's Rules and create a life that truly fits you.
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At 7:48 pm, does your nightly mental tug-of-war begin too?
Mine goes something like this: āPhew, the kids are sleepingā¦ now, what else can I knock off my list?āĀ
Then, my more reasonable self chimes in: āEven reading 10 pages is a win.ā Then bedtime for me too.
Recent conversations have me questioning this internal debate. What does it really take for me to take a break - and do I even need one?
So, here's a question for you: When was the last time you took a guilt-free break? If you have to think for more than five seconds, keep reading. This one's for you.
Rule #45: Breaks Are For The Weak (or KitKat Fans)
Ever watched a dog basking in a sunbeam and thought, 'Now that's living'?Ā
Iām going to assume itās not just me that has envied those who seem to pause life so effortlessly.
We're programmed to view breaks as either epic failures or hard-earned rewards. Just look at KitKat's marketing. You know the jingle: 'Gimme a break, gimme a break...' When a chocolate bar has to justify your downtime, you know weāre too focused on productivity.
(Even the AI needs a break apparently. 'Have an AI break, Have a KitKatā is the latest ad campaign)
This isn't just clever marketing. It's a mirror reflecting our hustle-obsessed culture. We've bought into the myth that non-stop grinding equals success, and pausing means falling behind.
Break The Rules - Take Your Break Sans Guilt-Trip
What if we ditched the internal negotiations and just... took a break?
No 'I've earned this' or 'I need to recharge for tomorrow's insanity.' Just put it all down, smile, and enjoy the moment. Period.
This isnāt a new concept. Cultures around the world have their own version of breaks. Italy won't give you your coffee to go. You've got to sit in the cafe and drink it. Swedes will leave their work at their desk and take a fika break with colleagues, often with sweets. Latin cultures have siestas.
I'm partial to naps or Selling Sunset. (Don't judge. Breaks are personal.)
Seriously, Take A Break Just āCause
There is one key place where Rule Breakers diverge from the pack: Breaks aren't about self-improvement. They're just... good.
I'm still learning this. This summer, with six rounds of guests and four solo-parenting stints during my partner's business trips, I struggled. I'd nap but I always justified it as a productivity booster for later.
Yes, research shows breaks increase productivity and creativity. But using that as justification just feeds the 'not enough' beast.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: In the next 24 hours, take a completely guilt-free break. 5 minutes or 50 - do something you enjoy. Just because.
Not because you've earned it. Not to recharge. Just because you want to.
Share your favorite break in the comments. Let me know how it feels to pause without the side of guilt.
Being a Rule Breaker isn't about rebellion for its own sake. It's about ditching norms that don't serve us and crafting a life that's sustainable, fulfilling, and yes, peppered with guilt-free breaks.
Keep well,
J