In my distant memory, I seem to recall a time when you could count on work slowing down in the summer. Alas, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. And if we can’t count on work giving us a break, then we need to give ourselves a break. We need to give ourselves permission to slow down, unwind, and renew – for a few moments, a few hours, or a few weeks. Taking breaks pays off by allowing us to focus more efficiently and get more done in less time. In addition, moments of inspiration and creative problem-solving tend to happen in our down time. Think about it – where were you the last time you got an inspired idea? Was it when you were working, or was it when you were just waking up in the morning, taking a shower, or driving down the road? Give yourself permission to take a break!
Research shows we can optimally focus for 90-120 minutes at a time, and then we need to renew. How about setting a timer for 90-120 minutes, and then make a point of taking a short walk or talk to a friend? If you’re hard at work on a demanding project, carve out time to get a good night’s sleep – you’ll be fresher and more productive the next day. If you’ve been burning the midnight oil for an extended period of time, you may need a macro-break – perhaps a long weekend or a trip to an exotic place without internet access.