The Power of a Break: A Sanity-Saving Secret

A Chance Encounter, a Lifelong Lesson

During a casual lunch at her home, Ruth Kennedy, a renowned midwifery teacher in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, shared a profound piece of advice with her family friend John Chan. John’s hectic work schedule and DIY haircut had left him looking frazzled, and Ruth’s words of wisdom would resonate with him for years to come.

Ruth inquired about John’s workload and his new haircut, jokingly suggesting that a friend could “fix” his attempt at a haircut. John responded with a witty remark: “That’s okay, the difference between a good haircut and a bad one is only two weeks.” Ruth’s clever rejoinder was both elegant and poignant: “Ah, my dear, the difference between sanity and insanity is a break.”

The Value of Mental Breathers

This insightful remark struck a chord with John, and it’s a sentiment that echoes with anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, neglecting our mental health in the process. Yet, taking regular breaks can be a powerful tool in maintaining our sanity.

Recharge and Refresh

By prioritizing breaks, we can:

• Clear our minds
• Recharge our energy
• Approach challenges with renewed focus

This simple yet effective strategy can help us avoid burnout and stay grounded. So, take a cue from John and Ruth: make time for breaks, and remember that sometimes, all it takes is a brief pause to tip the scales from insanity to sanity.