Take A Break!

By: Jessica Park

In 2012, Parade magazine ranked Columbia, Missouri No. 1 on its list of America’s Hardest Working Cities. While the people of mid-Missouri have a remarkable work ethic, there can be too much of a good thing — frequently working overtime and not taking days off actually results in less productivity, not more. 

“Our internal critic drives us to keep doing more, thinking we’ll be more productive,” says Stephen Weddle, Ph.D, Behavioral Health Manager at Boone Hospital Center. “Yes, our jobs are important, but they’re not more important than taking care of ourselves.”

Too much stress takes a physical toll, potentially causing headaches, upset stomach, insomnia or high blood pressure, and can also lead to overeating, smoking or excess alcohol consumption. 

Weddle says that taking time to de-stress requires a commitment, just like developing other healthy habits. Fortunately, small steps, such as taking a walk on a break, taking a few deep breaths or picturing yourself at a favorite spot, go a long way toward stress management.

Above all, it’s important to do something you enjoy. Weddle says, “Do something that you actually want to do, not what you think you should be doing.” 

Whatever you enjoy, there are plentiful ways in mid-Missouri to relax and recharge: