Chapter 4: Take a Break

And now go take a break. Seriously, do it. Okay, I’m not imposing it on you, but as your guide I strongly suggest it. At least 5 minutes, maybe 15 or 20.

Ideally go do something that will replenish you rather than deplete you. I understand that you have work you need to do. You will always have work you need to do. But you’ve been using your brain and its energy stores for a while now and you’ll perform better if you do something first to fill them back up.

Go take a walk outside, or have a (non-work) conversation with somebody, or give your pet a belly rub, or go look at some art, or read fiction, or poetry,or listen to music, or exercise, or meditate, or make some tea. Walk away from your computer and leave your mobile thingie in your pocket. Or leave it behind — the world will last a few minutes without your attention. Don’t go check your email, or your social media feed, or move right back into some work-related task. Your brain needs breaks, so give it one.

I’ll keep this tangent brief, but if you’ve somehow missed all of the scientific evidence that shows why breaks actually make you more productive, then go search the web for the phrase “take frequent breaks” or check out the NY Times story at http://nyti.ms/LcUmnU. But after you do, be sure to take a break.