It’s no secret that working, no matter how much we like our job, can be extremely exhausting at times. If you find yourself constantly looking for a break from work, you’ve come to the right place!

Overworking can be devastating to your health, both mental and physical, so it’s absolutely crucial that you find time to rest and “refill” your energy. Once you’re able to do that, you’ll be happier and more productive at your workplace.

So, how can you take a break from work you so desperately need?

Well, if you want to find out, keep on reading because, in this article, we’ll give you our top 5 ways to take a breather from your overwhelming schedule!

Source: United Church of God

1. Take a personal day

The easiest way to get some time off work is to ask for a personal day. Of course, saying you’re feeling tired is not a good excuse since it could send the wrong message to your boss. Nonetheless, a good manager should be reasonable enough to consider your well-being, so try telling them the truth. Make sure you explain your situation thoroughly and explain that your exhaustion is starting to affect your work. Every boss wants his employees to be healthy and productive, so don’t be afraid to ask for some time off.

Of course, taking too many personal days too frequently isn’t a good idea. Both your boss and your coworkers that end up covering for you wouldn’t be very happy about it, so while it’s good to use a personal day here and there, remember not to do it too often. Also, make sure you notify your boss in advance so they can organize the workplace during your absence.

Source: The Business Journals

2. Use your vacation days

If you’re feeling exhausted, going on a vacation might be exactly what you need. Many times we’re hesitant to use our vacation days, for one reason or another, it never seems like the right time to do it. Your vacation doesn’t need to be a luxurious holiday to be effective, so don’t hesitate to take some time off when you need it! Make sure you use the time to properly rest and finish everything you’ve been putting off because of your work.

Get your energy back, rest well, and try not to think about work for a while. That’s what vacation days are for!

Of course, you should notify your boss and your coworkers as early as possible, so you don’t end up disrupting the schedule too much. Also, don’t forget to check your company’s policy if it’s your first time using up your vacation days.

Source: HRM Asia

3. Have an excuse ready

If you don’t have any vacation days left, and your boss doesn’t seem to be understandable of your needs, your only course of action is to think of a believable excuse to miss work. Of course, lying is not the best option available, but sometimes it’s the only choice you have. Making up a believable excuse is not an easy task, though.

Whatever you do, make sure to be consistent, and don’t lie about something that’s easily disprovable. Never lie about a family member passing away, for example. It won’t only make you feel bad, but it’s not that hard for your boss to realize that you’re lying.

Instead of that, getting a fake doctor’s note, like those at bestfakedoctorsnotes.net, might be your best option. Of course, this should be a one-time thing, because overusing this method can be pretty suspicious, and you don’t want to get caught.

Other than getting a faked doctor’s note, you can say you’re having a family emergency or that your family member is ill and needs your assistance. Whatever the case, don’t do this too often because once you have a real issue that prevents you from going to work, your coworkers and managers will be less likely to believe you.

Source: Pine Rest

4. Get some rest at work

If none of the methods mentioned above are unable to get you out of work, then it’s time to organize your workload so you can survive until you get your vacation days. Of course, this method won’t make the tiredness go away, but it can help you better cope with it.

The first thing you need to do to feel a bit better during your working hours is to plan your meals properly. A good diet will give you the necessary energy to get through the workdays with minimal trouble. Never skip on breakfast, and make sure your meals are balanced and rich with natural nutrients, minerals, and vitamins.

Other than that, ensure you’re getting enough sleep. Until you regain your energy, avoid going out with your colleagues and coworkers, and make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.

Spend your lunch breaks outside, take frequent walks, and try to stay physically active if you can. Do only what you must, and make sure you don’t overwork yourself until you feel a little better. Your health should be your top priority, so surround yourself with positive energy and start living a healthier lifestyle.

Source: jobs.ac.uk Career Advice

5. Organize your workload

Other than making changes to your lifestyle, you can make your workday easier if you plan your tasks properly. Make sure to focus on the most difficult tasks early in the morning when your energy is high. Take short breaks as much as you can, and use them wisely. As hard as it is, try not to procrastinate as everything will only get harder as the day progresses.

Don’t feel bad if you’re not as productive as usual! Eventually, you’ll be able to take a break and you’ll get the rest you deserve. Until then, make sure to find ways to feel better while you’re stuck with your demanding work schedule.

All in all, organizing your workload and having a clear plan ahead of you will help you get through those difficult times at work.

The bottom line

Feeling overwhelmed at work is nothing to be ashamed of. We all have those times when we’re too tired to function, and our productivity levels are low. If that’s the case for you, make sure to ask your boss for a personal day off, or use up your vacation days now when you need it the most. However, if that doesn’t work, you can always play hooky from work. If you choose this option though, make sure you have a valid excuse, and notify your boss in time. Also, try to finish all of your projects before you leave, so your absence is less noticeable.

If nothing mentioned here works, try making your workdays a bit easier by practicing healthy lifestyle habits. Learn to meditate, eat well, sleep well, and take care of yourself first.

All in all, getting a break from your busy schedule once in a while can help you feel happy and motivated, so don’t hesitate to do it!