As important as it is to get your workout in and eat healthy every day, taking even a 5 minute break is just a beneficial. If you’re anything like me you always have your iPod, iPhone, and Mac on with a to-do list in your mind, and in your planner, that could keep you busy every minute of the day. Lately, I’ve been asking myself, “How good can this be for me?”

If you feel tired, frustrated, overwhelmed, and even stressed out, this may be the reason. At 4pm every day, I shut everything off and shut myself down for at least 5 minutes. I call it my brain break… my mental fitness.

Do you practice brain breaks? Albeit through yoga, meditation, and even prayer? What I’ve noticed from taking them is:

• Better sleep
• Fewer cravings
• Reduced stress and feeling overwhelmed
• My inner voice is more positive
• A much greater appreciation for the little things

Do you allow yourself to shut down at all during the day, or do you just go and go? Do you have problems sleeping? Does your mind race through all the things you need to do? In a world where working yourself to death is celebrated, I think we all need some time to shut it all off, what do you think?

Don’t you think you could benefit from taking a moment off on a daily basis?