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Advice Please! Taking A Break vs Finishing The Job

by The Niche Man
14 replies
Who else finds it hard to take breaks during the day?

It's funny, when I had a "job" I counted the ticks on the clock until I could take a break. But now that I work for me it's a totally different story.

I love my work and many times I find myself working for 2,3, even 4 hours before I realize what time it is. Plus, when you lose track of time girl friends don't like it, especially when you have a date.

I've read a mountain of books that say a person is more productive if they take breaks, but I find it hard to do. Does anyone else have this problem and how did you overcome it?

Any advice, help or even scolding may help. Thanks in advance.
#advice #break #breaks #finishing #job #taking
  • Profile picture of the author Tashi Mortier
    What you experience is being in the flow. That is a state of maximum productivity and I don't think that you should force yourself to make a break.

    Most studies that show that breaks have a positive influence are about learning new stuff. That means that you should give your brain some time to process all the new information that it received.

    It's important that you do what you feel comfortable with. If you want to force breaks on yourself, then you can always just set the alarm clock. But be careful to always leave your task in a state where you don't lose 15 minutes to get back into it.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dwayne Morrison
      Originally Posted by Tashi Mortier View Post

      What you experience is being in the flow. That is a state of maximum productivity and I don't think that you should force yourself to make a break.

      Most studies that show that breaks have a positive influence are about learning new stuff. That means that you should give your brain some time to process all the new information that it received.

      It's important that you do what you feel comfortable with. If you want to force breaks on yourself, then you can always just set the alarm clock. But be careful to always leave your task in a state where you don't lose 15 minutes to get back into it.
      You're right about that. I know when I'm sitting in front of my computer for hours on end, I feel like crap. But when I actually get up and go on a short break to have a little snack or something, I always feel better that I took that time for myself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Max Stryker
    i think that means you need a break. a nice vacation to get you mind off things in order to get back on track.
    I'ts good that you now work for yourself, but never lose sight of what's really important.
    Did you ever saw the movie 'Click'? There's a good example. Balance Work with Leisure and Family and you'll have a very happy life.
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  • Profile picture of the author Leanne King
    I often hate moving from a project to have dinner or something silly like that because it breaks my work flow. However, I find when I do take a forced break (go for a walk, go out for coffee for half an hour) I'm actually more productive and think of loads of creative things for my project. Because I now know I'm more useful and inspired I take forced breaks and take my phone with me on walks so I can quickly type in new ideas as I think of them!
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  • Profile picture of the author ejb2059
    I tend to be the same way ..when I'm in the zone, I like to stay there but there are times when I know I need to push away from the keyboard. Usually, it's when my dog is glaring at me with her legs crossed LOL

    What's the old saying? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?

    Life is short ..take time to stop and smell those proverbial rose's ..The work will still be there when you get back

    Rev
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  • Profile picture of the author Andie
    You should definitely take breaks (everyone should) every 2-3 hrs, even if only for a ten minute time period. The body is not intended to thrive sitting in one spot for hours on end....at least stand up, stretch and causing blood to flow is a Good thing!

    :-)
    Andie
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  • Profile picture of the author Edie47
    Unfortunately, by the time I realize I haven't taken a break in hours my mind is already starting to turn to mush! It's smarter to take several breaks during the day, maybe every hour or two, so that we can remain mentally and physically able to accomplish everything that we want and need to in order to be successful.

    This has happened several times to me lately where I got so involved in online work that I didn't realize a whole morning had gone by or even a good share of the day until I just could think any more.

    The other problem is that when I work too long without a break I start making dumb mistakes that are embarrassing when I realize the next day what I did. Happens more than I would like to admit.

    When we take breaks, we will find that we are much more productive in the long run!
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  • Profile picture of the author Alex Frei
    If you can work as hard as when you've just started, continue.
    If you know that you're losing your brain power, concentration, then take a break.

    For me, the most difficult was sleeping. I was thinking like: "How can I go sleep now, when I don't have all done yet". But then I realized that if I don't sleep, I will mess my next day's progress.

    So, it's wise to convince yourself that the break is more valuable than working.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aandice Austin
    When you are tired of your work, just take a bresk and relax, buy that is not necessary, Relaxed manner differs from man to man!
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  • Profile picture of the author 1234nasir
    Its your luck............. that you have use to with to do work......... and work....... and work ! Don't thought for rest until you feel yourself, tired.
    This habit you might be can't achieved again.

    Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

    Who else finds it hard to take breaks during the day?

    It's funny, when I had a "job" I counted the ticks on the clock until I could take a break. But now that I work for me it's a totally different story.

    I love my work and many times I find myself working for 2,3, even 4 hours before I realize what time it is. Plus, when you lose track of time girl friends don't like it, especially when you have a date.

    I've read a mountain of books that say a person is more productive if they take breaks, but I find it hard to do. Does anyone else have this problem and how did you overcome it?

    Any advice, help or even scolding may help. Thanks in advance.
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  • Profile picture of the author mistymani
    ya u r correct its very difficult to take a break when job is there, so lets finish the job as quick as we can with interest and take a break with g/f.....
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  • Profile picture of the author tk226
    the question is take a break or not? well, nobody can work incessantly for hours because we as a human need to take food to replenish energy, talk to family members to feel good and so on. Now, here is a catch - by break do you mean a week off from work or it's just normal 15 - 30 minutes break from work. Even, in office you've a break after first 4 hour but most of the people don't work continuously for the first 4 hours and they have breaks in between for chats, coffee, etc. so, it's important for you to define what type of break you want to have. Anyway, sooner or later you'll feel that you've done a lot of work and as a reward a break must be honored.
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  • Profile picture of the author Presto Smith
    Yeah, I know what you mean. At least you are doing something that you enjoy so much that you do not want to take a break. But, to answer your question... yes, you should take breaks.

    For one there is the physical issue of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you work too long in front of the computer you could develop this issue. Also, it is not so great for your eyeball health to stare at a computer for too long. To top off the list, I constantly find myself slouching at the computer while working long hours.

    These are all physical attributes that you should become aware of while working at a desk. You may also want to take breaks for the mental health that comes with it. You may find that if you take 20 minutes to walk a dog that you will come back with a fresh approach and clear ideas about what to do next.

    Start making a habit of taking a break today

    -Presto
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  • Profile picture of the author magnates
    Originally Posted by The Niche Man View Post

    Who else finds it hard to take breaks during the day?

    It's funny, when I had a "job" I counted the ticks on the clock until I could take a break. But now that I work for me it's a totally different story.

    I love my work and many times I find myself working for 2,3, even 4 hours before I realize what time it is. Plus, when you lose track of time girl friends don't like it, especially when you have a date.

    I've read a mountain of books that say a person is more productive if they take breaks, but I find it hard to do. Does anyone else have this problem and how did you overcome it?

    Any advice, help or even scolding may help. Thanks in advance.
    Wow , what a nice problem to have to enjoy yourself so much that you work 4 hours without a break . Sound like you found something you love . Congratulations .i wouldn't try and change it . But If other relationships outside IM , i get you could hire an assistant or set a time to keep conrol of the time you spend
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