You cannot perform constantly at a high level. People are designed to have regular time off. We need time to relax, with no obligations, schedules and todo lists. Having a sabbath is a good practice that has a reason.
For a break to be effective we don’t need a sabbatical of several months. I think a sabbath can also be a short walk in the park. Or for that matter a power nap just at your desk!
I have noticed lately that I have been neglecting the need in my life for regular short and longer breaks. I need a full day a week to unhook and do completely other things than work. But also during the week I need small breaks, some are 5 of 10 minutes, sometimes I take longer breaks.
The need for regular breaks from work and life routine is a way for me to stay productive. It also ensures me that my life is more meaningful. Too often I have found out too late that running around like crazy actually takes more energy and gets less done.
So to be practical, here are a couple of things that help me stay productive:
- 4 days a week I take a walk, four times a day, for about 15 minutes. In the morning first to the train and then from the train to the office. In the afternoon the same routine but then in reverse order.
- I try to read a book a week. I have found out that even work related books and magazines function as short breaks for me. It is relaxing to read.
- As funny as it may seem but the Weekly Review is also a break, because it helps me to get all the mundane stuff in my life in perspective.
- The Sunday morning service in church is a valuable moment every week where I can reflect and sit down for an hour and a half.
- Every quarter I try to be a full day out of office with just a notebook and a pencil. I go to the beach, to the woods or to a city just to retract from all my obligations and take time to write about the bigger picture in my life.
As you can see, most of the short breaks are not that difficult to blend in your daily routine. Just by commuting I get about 60 minutes of exercise, no planning involved.
I would encourage you to look for ways to make time for short breaks in your daily routine so that you stay productive in life and work.
