Why taking a break is crucial for your wellbeing

by | Jun 15, 2021 | Self-care, Self-empowerment | 0 comments

I have been called a workaholic. I was not sure if that was a compliment or insult. I just didn’t feel like taking a break. I was raised from the perspective of one life, one job, one income. That’s why I thought that if I worked really, really hard then I would be rewarded.

 

What makes you want to work all the time and not prioritize breaks? Some of it comes from being a perfectionist where everything has to line up. Some of it comes from imposter syndrome so people don’t think you don’t know stuff. Most of it just comes from not learning to step away.

 

Recently, when I saw some of the posts on LinkedIn talking about not glamourizing the long hours and not taking breaks, did I realize that being called a workaholic was not a compliment. Burnout is real. I know I felt it myself but I never knew that’s how it’s called. Maybe it was the mom in me always doing something. Or maybe it’s the woman of color in me that did not want to look like I was slacking, even though I was not.

 

Maybe it was the lack of mentors and sponsors who could have advised me. Whatever it was, it was not good. After seeing people at work/friends under the age of 50 literally fall at their desks of heart attacks and die, I realized that life is short. The work will never stop, money cannot buy you good health or happiness and you got to have fun otherwise what is the point of it all?

 

Seeing death at close quarters can change a person. I know. It changed me. I realized I cannot wait for what I want in life, I had to go get it myself. Once I hit that realization, my perspective changed.

 

I wanted to do things now and not wait for the perfect moment, to make changes instead of waiting for others to change. I needed to take a chance on myself and trust my own instincts instead of someone else telling me what to do. And I wanted to take breaks when I wanted to take breaks. So, when I got an opportunity to get away for 24 hours and be in nature, I jumped at it.

 

It was a truly rejuvenating experience, like a meditation. The mind slowed, the hustle-bustle of crazy deadlines faded. Sleep comes quickly and deeply, and all I hear are the sounds of nature. What I also realized is a short break away brings you back with more ideas and creative juices.

 

Some of the things that you can do to take a break include:

  • Going outside
  • Take a breath of fresh air
  • Get exercise
  • Take the time to literally stop and smell the roses
  • Journal
  • Sleep in to feel rested
  • Make yourself a healthy meal

 

The more we normalize discussions about depression, anxiety, and mental health, the easier it will be for us to not feel guilty to take a break. And we’ll realize that being called a workaholic may actually not be a good thing.

 

Think somebody in your life might need to learn how to take a break? Share this on Facebook and help your friends out!

2025 Upcoming Event

 

Where: Hindu Temple of the Eastern Shore

When: Dec 13th 3pm

Click  here to RSVP.

 

2026 Dance Class Winter Semester

 

Where: Hindu Temple of the Eastern Shore

When: Jan 11th - Mar 29th

Timings: Sundays

Beginners  12pm to 12:45 pm

Intermediate: 1 pm to 2 pm

Adults: 2 pm to 3 pm

Fees: Starting at $300/semester

Payment due on or before Jan 10th

Payments available via PayPal or Zelle (@sarmadancer@gmail.com).

Click  here to submit payment and register.

 

 2025 Past Events

 

January 5th - 12 pm - 3 pm first day of class for the new semester @ Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore

February 26th  - @ 5:30 pm Shivaratri program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore

April 4th - @6:30 pm Rama Navami program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore

April 26th - 3 pm to 4 pm Mudras in Motion, a Bharatnatyam Fitness class at Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore ($20). Click here to register and pay.

August 16 - @ 9 pm Janmashtami program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore 

August 26 - @ 6 pm Ganesh Chaturthi program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore

Sept 12 - 6:30 pm Showcase of Excellence Wor Wic Community College 50th Anniversary Celebrations

Sept 21 - 3 pm Maryland Folk Festival, Plaza Stage, Audience Interactive Program

Oct 4 - 5 pm Durga Puja celebrations at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore

Oct 18th - 3 pm to 4:15 pm Movement & Storytelling, the  Bharatnatyam way. Room 8 at the Paul Sarbanes Library in downtown Salisbury ($20). Click here to register and pay.

Oct 20 - 6 pm Diwali celebration program at Salisbury Hindu Temple of Eastern Shore

Dec 13 - 3 pm Annual year end show

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is it?

Bharatanatyam - is a 5000 year old Indian dance form that originated in the south of India.

How does it work?

These sessions are designed to learn a complete margam (course) as part of the Bharatanatyam curriculum. If you start at Grade 1, you will have completed a margam by grade 8 at which time you can decide if you want to pursue the arangetram (graduation) route, which requires additional specialized training. 

Who all can join?

 Anyone who is interested in learning this dance form are invited to join.

Children, both boys and girls can join as long as they can tell the difference between right and left.

Adults of all ages are welcome to join.

How do the classes work?

The curriculum is broken into groups 1 to 10. The level of difficulty increases as you move from one group to the next.
It takes an average of 3 to 6 months to be proficient in each group. Tests will be given to determine proficiency.
Advancement from one group to the next is based on skill. The more you practice, the faster you move up. You are encouraged to perform.
As part of your curriculum you will be learning items to perform for various festivals/occasions - the goal will be to have you perform at least once every semester.
Classes will be held once a week for 45 minutes for groups 1 to 3.
Groups 4 and up will require at least 2 hours of instruction a week.
Advanced lessons will require additional instruction.

How often are there performances?

There will be plenty of opportunities to perform for the community.
There is a year end show in December for which all students will be expected to perform.
There is a $50 participation fee that will pay for trophies/video streaming etc. that is due by Nov 15th.
Students are encouraged to perform for functions at the temple and for the community which will require additional practice time.

Expectations

1. Please wear leggings/salwar with a long T-shirt or long top with a tie for the waist.
2. No Sleeveless allowed. Wear a Tshirt underneath if required.
3. All hair must be tied, wear a bindi.
4. Bring a book and pencil - you will be required to take notes.

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