Take a break for your mental health: difficulty focusing is a key sign

4 Signs You Need to Take a Break for Your Mental Health

Are you ignoring your body’s signals to take a break for your mental health? When we’re physically hurt, we seek help fast. With the mind, signs are quieter and easy to miss. Below are four signs that suggest it’s time to pause, reset, and protect your well-being.

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1) You struggle to focus

Take a break for your mental health: difficulty focusing is a key sign

When your mind is overworked, attention slips. Extended stress raises real health risks. Start small: set limits, reduce distractions, and prioritise one task at a time. Boundaries protect energy and clarity (see the APA’s take on boundaries – external).

2) Self-care keeps slipping

Mental health break: self-care routines are missing

Skipping meals, movement, or sleep sets you up for burnout. Build a simple routine: a 10-minute walk, a short breathing break, or a coffee in fresh air. For more tools, try our Self-Care Quiz or read NIMH’s guidance on caring for your mental health.

3) Relationships start to suffer

Strained relationships can signal the need for a mental health break

Work stress often spills into home life. You pull away, cancel plans, and feel less patient. Separate work and home with small rituals: a short walk before entering the house, device-free dinners, or a weekly check-in with a loved one. If anxiety is part of the picture, see Anxiety Management.

4) You feel on edge most days

Feeling on edge at work can be a sign of burnout

Constant pressure can leave you irritable and exhausted. The WHO describes burnout as the result of chronic workplace stress that isn’t well-managed (external). A brief break helps you reset before problems grow.

What to do next

  • Pause and plan: Take a day (or an afternoon) off to sleep, move, and reset priorities.
  • Set a small boundary: Decline one non-essential task this week.
  • Move your body: Even 10 minutes improves mood and focus.
  • Talk to someone: A friend, a mentor, or a coach. If symptoms persist for 2+ weeks—trouble sleeping, low mood, loss of interest—seek professional help (NIMH).

When you’re ready, meet your coach on About or start Online Coaching today. You’ll leave with a simple plan and accountability to keep you on track.

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