Productivity Tip – Take a Break

Let’s talk about taking a break.

Seems counterintuitive, but stopping a task or project COMPLETELY can be a huge leap forward in getting it accomplished.

TWEET IT!  

By break, I don’t mean pop open Facebook in another tab and zone out watching cat videos. I mean completely remove yourself.

Take a walk.
Take a drive.
Take a nap.
Go have coffee.
Go try on shoes.
Do something else.

Don’t even think about your project, but be fully present in your “break” activity.

After 20 minutes to an hour (or more if you need it) come back rejuvenated, clear-headed and ready to kick butt.

“Activity and rest are two vital aspects of life. To find a balance in them is a skill in itself. Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have. Finding them in each other – activity in rest and rest in activity – is the ultimate freedom.”
― Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Rest is more than just shut-eye at night, be aware of when you could use a break from your work, a project, or your kids. Finding this balance is essential to feeling good about accomplishing projects big and small. When you complete a task and feel good about it you will feel more eager to conquer what comes next.

Stressing yourself out by grinding away can leave you feeling overwhelmed, fatigued and disinterested in taking anything else on.

How I take a break

For creative blocks, I like to go outside, play with the kids or the dogs in the yard, or get out on the lake. For frustrations with work, it’s all about exercising it out. In either situation, I am able to come back refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to go.

TAKE ACTION

Make a plan for three restful, rejuvenating activities for you to break away from your work. The next time you feel overwhelmed or even just stuck, pull out your list, pick one and go. How does it make you feel? What was your favorite “break” activity?