The Importance of Taking Breaks

When you're too busy to stop, you often end up working right through the day without taking a proper break.

While I spend most of my time enabling people to get more done in their busy day, I also emphasise the importance of taking regular breaks.

You might think you're too busy to take a break, after all there's so much to be done, if you can squeeze another task in to that 5, 10, 30 minutes - it's another thing ticked off the list.

Actually taking a break can increase your productivity.  Your efficiency drops the longer you work on a task.  You lose focus and are more easily distracted.  Especially if it's not something that absolutely grabs your undivided attention.

Take a break at least once an hour for a few minutes and then a longer break every 2-3 hours or so.  Ideally a break every 20-25 minutes is better.

Make sure you take that lunch break.  Skipping lunch or eating at your desk does you no good - physically or mentally.

With more frequent breaks - not only will you be more productive when you get back to work but it's good to switch off mentally every now and then.

It's when you take a break or go and do something different that your sub-conscious often pops up with a solution to a problem or a great new idea ... you know those Eureka moments.

The longer you work, the more tired you become and the less productive you are, so it's wasted effort.  Better to stop before you get over-tired, take a decent break and come back refreshed.

So go on, take a break - you need it and you deserve it.

If you find it hard to take breaks - get in touch.  It's easier than you think.

work caffeine (Photo credit: #9)