Hitting Pause:

How to Step Away from the Daily Grind

By Carrie Dunlea

If every day feels like a rerun of the one before—wake, work, repeat—you’re not alone. Stress is a near-universal experience. In fact, the American Institute of Stress reports that 80% of U.S. adults regularly feel overwhelmed. Globally, the World Health Organization says more than three-quarters of adults will experience stress at some point in their lives.

Between financial pressures, nonstop headlines, and the ever-blurring line between work and home life, it’s no wonder so many people feel stretched thin. Add in a daily routine that feels more robotic than restorative, and the need to reset becomes clear.

So how can you break the cycle? Here are a few practical ways to pause, reflect, and recharge—even without a weeklong vacation.

Rethink Your Work-Life Balance

If your job is leaving little time for the rest of your life, it might be time to explore new opportunities. Look for roles that offer more flexibility or support for mental wellness. Sometimes, a change in scenery—or in management—can make all the difference.

Commit to Self-Care

Taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean carving out hours in your day. Even 10 minutes of meditation, a short walk with your dog, or a few pages of a good book can provide a powerful mental reset. Build in small rituals that help you feel grounded.

Make Space for Joy

Whether it’s painting, gardening, crafting, or baking, hobbies can serve as a meaningful outlet for creativity and stress relief. Don’t treat your interests as afterthoughts—add them to your calendar like you would any important appointment.

Move More

Exercise is one of the most effective stress-busters. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity helps release mood-boosting endorphins and shift your focus away from anxious thoughts. Don’t overthink it—take the stairs, park a little farther away, or stretch between tasks. Every bit counts.

Take Your Time Off

Here’s a stat that might surprise you: A 2023 survey by Sorbet found that 62% of U.S. workers with personal time off didn’t use all of it, and 5.5% didn’t take a single day. Whether from guilt or fear of falling behind, skipping PTO can take a toll. Europeans, by comparison, take an average of 24 days off a year—10 more than the average American. It’s time to rethink how we rest.

The Bottom Line

Life isn’t meant to be lived on autopilot. Whether it’s a five-minute breather or a week away, prioritizing breaks from the daily grind can help you return to your routine feeling reenergized—and a little more like yourself.