By Nancy Virden (c)2025

Too often, a break in the middle of the day simply postpones our stress. Here are 10 short breaks that successfully rest your mind.

1. A 20-minute nap- Studies from NASA and other scientific research show that a 20-minute nap in the middle of the day is usually optimal. Improvements in cognitive skills, creativity, and alertness are measurable. See facts.
2. Change your environment- Leave for a walk or sit on a bench outside. Go for a drive or visit your kids at school. Redecorate your workspace.
3. Listening to relaxing music carries us to happy places if we use it appropriately. Music must bring up positive emotions to offer a break that interrupts the day’s stress. One style of music may work better for you than another because music can also give rise to unhappy memories, grief, angst, and even anger.
4. Easy reading- This is not about lowering your reading level; this is a book or magazine that captures your imagination enough to take your mind off your day. It cannot be work-related, a stress-inducer, or too complicated. It cannot be the news. If you are normally on your computer all day, then easy-reading should not be on a screen. You may choose a novel, comics, or anything that meets easy (relaxing) reading criteria.
5. Incorporate new people- Say hello to strangers or to a coffee shop barista. Strike up a casual conversation with others in your company who do not work in your division.
6. Do an act of kindness- If homeless people are near you, buy someone lunch. Send thankful emails. Offer to carry something heavy or clean up the coffee area. Whatever you do, avoid looking for thanks and reward.
7. Concentrate on what is most important in the long run- Your character, family relationships, relationship with Jesus, and humble spirit make you matter. Everything else is either out of your hands or temporarily measured by others as great.
8. Be content with what you have- Spend time thinking of or counting each blessing you have received over your lifetime. Go deep on this one.
9. Worship connects us with God- Use your time to listen to or read spiritually healthy commentary or sermons. Ignore preachers who say that God wants you to be rich (they are the ones getting rich). Read the Bible, sing hymns, allow that you are not God, and seek to know Him.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Isaiah 40:30-31

 Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.

 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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