The Proven Secret to Staying Productive: Take More Breaks

Jan 19, 2025 | ACHIEVE | 0 comments

The holiday season can be magical—but it can also be overwhelming. Between cleaning, shopping, cooking, and trying to make the holidays special for your family, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. This past holiday season, I found myself on the edge of burnout, but I also learned valuable lessons about balancing productivity and self-care.

If you’re someone who juggles a busy life, here’s how you can intentionally create space to rest, recharge, and take breaks—even during the most chaotic seasons.


1. Build Self-Care Into Your Routines

Finding time for yourself rarely happens on its own. That’s why it’s essential to intentionally build self-care into your systems and routines. Whether it’s a morning ritual with your coffee or a quick skincare routine before bed, carving out small moments for yourself can make a world of difference.

For me, setting aside 15 minutes in the morning to enjoy a quiet coffee (and maybe some journaling) helped me recharge and approach the day with a clearer mind. The key is to make these moments non-negotiable—treat them like appointments with yourself.


2. Use Your Tech to Stay Organized

Stress often comes from feeling like you have too much to manage, and that’s where technology can be a lifesaver. I rely on reminders, calendar apps, and task lists to keep everything organized.

Here’s how I use them:

  • Reminders: Set up recurring reminders for tasks like picking up groceries, paying bills, or even taking a midday stretch break.
  • Calendars: Time-block important activities and appointments so you’re not overwhelmed by forgotten obligations.
  • To-Do Lists: Use apps to prioritize tasks, focusing on what’s essential while leaving room for flexibility.

Freeing up mental space with these tools allows me to focus on what truly matters—and that includes making time for myself.


3. Create Intentional Moments for Rest and Goals

Once you’ve cleared some mental bandwidth, use it to create intentional moments for yourself. This could mean working on a personal goal, like crafting, journaling, or planning your next big achievement. Or, it could mean giving yourself permission to relax with a cup of tea and a favorite book.

During the holidays, I made time to sit quietly and reflect on my goals for the new year. Those peaceful moments helped me reset and find clarity amid the chaos.


4. Time-Block (Without Over-Scheduling)

Time-blocking doesn’t have to feel like running your life on a military schedule. For me, it’s more about setting small, manageable chunks of time to tackle specific tasks. Here are some examples:

  • Set a 15-minute timer to tidy up a room or fold laundry.
  • Dedicate 10 minutes to planning tomorrow’s meals or activities.
  • Use 20 minutes to sit and relax without distractions.

This approach keeps you productive without feeling overwhelmed, and it leaves room for rest and flexibility.


5. Give Yourself Grace

It’s easy to feel guilty about taking breaks, but rest is essential, not indulgent. During the holidays, I learned to let go of perfection and focus on what truly mattered: spending time with loved ones and staying present. Giving yourself grace to pause, recharge, and reset can prevent burnout and help you be more effective when you’re back in action.


6. Delegate When You Can

Sometimes, the best way to create time for yourself is to ask for help. Whether it’s assigning chores to your kids, enlisting your partner’s help, or outsourcing tasks like grocery delivery, delegating can make your life more manageable. Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself.


Final Thoughts

Taking breaks isn’t just about avoiding burnout—it’s about giving yourself the space to thrive. By building self-care into your routines, using tech to stay organized, and creating intentional moments for rest, you can find balance even during the busiest seasons.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that productivity and self-care go hand in hand. So, as you plan your next busy week or holiday season, don’t forget to prioritize you.

What’s your favorite way to take a break or recharge? Share your tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!


What Happened During the TikTok Outage?

On January 19, 2025, TikTok experienced an unexpected 12-hour outage. Over 170 million U.S. users were left unable to access the platform. The downtime caused frustration but also sparked conversations about diversifying content strategies.

Did You Know?

According to Business Insider, searches for “alternative platforms to TikTok” surged by 30% during the outage.


How Creators Stayed Productive

Instead of waiting for TikTok to come back online, many creators focused on:

  • Diversifying Content: Some explored platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Pinterest to expand their reach.
  • Planning Future Content: Downtime became planning time for brainstorming new ideas and scheduling posts.
  • Skill Development: Creators took the opportunity to learn new tools like video editing software or even improve SEO skills for their blogs.

Take your content strategy to the next level. Download my free Content Diversification Checklist and start future-proofing your brand today!

Hi, I’m Danielle! I’m an Author, Content Creator, Wife, and Mother. I am passionate about helping other moms reach their full potential in life. After all, we only get one.

Subscribe

Take my free self assessment today!


    The Risks of Platform Dependence

    Relying solely on one platform like TikTok may feel convenient, but it comes with risks that can jeopardize your long-term growth and income:

    • Outages Disrupt Engagement: Whether it’s TikTok or another app, outages mean losing access to your audience. The 12-hour blackout showed how creators can be caught off guard.
    • Algorithm Changes: Platforms regularly update algorithms, which could reduce visibility for your content overnight.
    • Loss of Control: When you rely on a single platform, you’re at the mercy of their rules, policies, and decisions.

    The TikTok blackout highlighted the importance of having a backup plan. When creators diversify their content across multiple platforms, they gain greater control over their audience and income streams.

    Don’t risk losing your hard work. Download my Content Diversification Checklist and take the first step toward a more secure content strategy!


    A Step-by-Step Guide to Future-Proofing Your Content Strategy

    Ready to reduce your reliance on a single platform? Follow these actionable steps to future-proof your content strategy:

    1. Start with a Diversification Plan:

      • Identify at least 2–3 platforms that align with your content style. For instance, TikTok creators often find success on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.
    2. Repurpose Content Across Platforms:

      • Maximize your efforts by repurposing one video into multiple formats. A TikTok video can also be an Instagram Reel, a Pinterest Idea Pin, or a YouTube Short.
    3. Leverage Owned Platforms:

      • Your blog and email list give you direct access to your audience without intermediaries.
      • Start building your email list today using this free checklist that outlines the steps to diversifying your strategy!
    4. Create Backup Content:

      • Have a library of evergreen content ready to share if a platform goes down. This keeps your audience engaged, no matter what.
    5. Set Measurable Goals:

      • Track your engagement, follower growth, and conversions across each platform. Adjust your strategy based on what works best.

    By implementing these steps, you’ll be better prepared for any future disruptions while continuing to grow your brand.


    Key Takeaways for Future-Proofing Your Content Strategy

    1. Create Backup Plans: Always have backup content ready to share on other platforms.
    2. Leverage Your Blog: A blog gives you full control over your content, unlike social platforms.
    3. Build an Email List: Direct communication with your audience ensures they’ll stay connected, even during outages.

    👉 Don’t wait for the next disruption to catch you off guard. If you have this you can start building your resilience today!


    Conclusion

    The TikTok outage wasn’t just a hiccup—it was a valuable lesson for creators everywhere. Use this moment to diversify your platforms, grow your audience, and build a sustainable content strategy.

    What’s your takeaway from the TikTok blackout? Let me know in the comments below!