Feeling Burned Out?

How a Short Break Can Boost Your Productivity and Mindset

85% of UK workers report feeling burned out, and nearly half have taken time off due to mental health reasons. In other words, if you’re feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Workplace stress is real, and pushing through fatigue can subtly affect your performance, creativity, and mindset.

As professionals, it’s easy to fall into the trap of powering through deadlines, emails, and back-to-back meetings—but at what cost?

Recognising the Signs of Burnout

Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired. It shows up as negative thinking, emotional exhaustion, and a subtle dip in the quality of your work. Ignoring it can lead to poor decisions, reduced creativity, and a cycle of stress that’s hard to break.

This week, I noticed myself spiraling into negative thinking. Despite a good night’s sleep, I felt unusually fatigued and mentally drained. My first instinct was to push through—my past self would have—but I realised that continuing in that state would only let negativity creep into my work.

The Hard but Valuable Step: Taking a Break

Instead of forcing it, I took what for me is still the hard step: a pause. I did a short yoga nidra session—a guided meditation designed to deeply relax the mind and body. It was only then that I realized how tired I truly was, not just physically, but emotionally.

When I returned to my work, everything had shifted. I felt refreshed, creative, and ready to tackle tasks with clarity and a positive mindset. The difference was tangible: my work reflected the refreshed state I had cultivated during the break.

Qigong practice for clarity and calm

Why Professionals Need Regular Resets

Taking short, intentional breaks isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategy. Research shows that regular pauses help improve focus, creativity, and overall well-being. For professionals, even a few minutes can prevent burnout from impacting decisions, relationships, and results.

If you notice yourself spiraling into negative thinking or fatigue, consider hitting pause. Techniques like guided meditation, a short walk, or even a mindful breathing exercise can make a world of difference.

Your 3-Day Nervous System Reset

To support busy professionals in managing stress, I’ve created a free 3-Day Nervous System Reset. This simple, structured reset helps you recharge, regain focus, and return to work with renewed energy and clarity.

You can download it for free here: https://www.candiceyoga.co.uk/free-resources-3-day-nervous-system-reset

Final Thoughts

In today’s fast-paced professional world, rest is not a weakness—it’s a strategy for sustained success. By recognising burnout early and giving yourself intentional resets, you can navigate work with more resilience, creativity, and fulfillment.

About Candice Machtus

Candice Machtus is a Yoga Alliance Professionals accredited Yoga and Qigong teacher based in Tonbridge, Kent. She supports busy professionals to restore balance, energy, and clarity through embodied movement and nervous system regulation.

Find out more at www.candiceyoga.co.uk