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Breaks have long been (wrongly) associated with unproductivity, to such an extent that they can feel like a disadvantage in our fast-paced and competitive world.
However, experienced entrepreneurs know how important it is to schedule breaks, not only for physical and mental health, but also for the sustainability of the business. Strategically scheduling these breaks into the work calendar can be effective and make the transition to the next phase more enjoyable. Here's how.
1. Prevents burnout
Entrepreneurs are notorious for overextending themselves when building their brands and businesses. This constant need to rush comes from the need to fill every moment of the day with something productive.
However, this 24/7 work mentality usually leads to burnout, which is difficult to recover from. Burnout causes problems for a person's physical and mental health. Additionally, too much pressure often leads to feeling unfulfilled, no matter how much you've accomplished.
Scheduling breaks goes hand in hand with setting boundaries. When no one is monitoring your schedule or telling you when to start or stop working, it's up to you to know your limits. Working in blocks of time with breaks for exercise, entertainment, or even a quick nap are important parts of the day.
Related: How to Achieve CEO Focus by Breaking Habits and Taking Breaks
2. Gives a new perspective to a problem
Entrepreneurs are known for multitasking, meaning they have to do all of their tasks at once. This overstimulation can make solving relatively simple tasks unnecessarily complicated, preventing them from being able to fully concentrate on one thing.
As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get caught up in an isolated vision of how things should be done. Sometimes stepping away from a problem can free the mind to look at it from a new perspective.
Take time to collaborate with others and be inspired by them, or focus on other activities and hobbies that aren't work-related. Taking time off, no matter how short, can help you refocus on the goals you want to achieve and create a more direct path to achieving them.
3. Improves your mood
Much like burnout, working too many hours can lead to mood swings that can impact both business and personal relationships. Whether in an email, a meeting, or another interaction, you may not realize how much overwork can alter the course of your daily life.
When you find yourself running out of patience, take a break outside and enjoy the fresh air. Take a walk in nature, read in the park, or eat your lunch outside – you'll be surprised how much sunshine on your face can improve your mood and increase your productivity compared to staying in your own office.
Related: Use a Clinical Psychologist's Brain Hacks to Be More Productive Than Ever
4. Makes you more disciplined
It may sound counterintuitive, but breaks can increase discipline and productivity. This is because the time you need to get things done is within a set block of time.
Think about what it would be like if you had eight hours to complete a project. Do you spend the entire time working on it, or does your mind wander to your email, social media, or the million other things that need to be done in life? Think about how much more you can get done if you cut the time in half with no distractions.
Figure out what blocks of time work better for you. For some, it might be two or three hours in the morning with a long break in the afternoon and more blocks of work in the evening. For others, it might be shorter blocks spread throughout the day. The good news is that it's your schedule, so set the parameters.
Make optimal use of downtime
While there is no “right” way to take a break, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind, especially if the thought of slowing down makes you feel uneasy.
Always remember that taking a break is for your health and your business. Constantly trying to catch up can sap your morale and make it harder to recognize how well you're doing.
Here are some things to consider when planning your breaks:
- Vary the times. Take at least one 15-minute break and one that lasts at least 30 minutes or longer. You can use the shorter break to stretch your legs, make a snack, or take a quick nap. You can use the longer breaks to chat with a loved one, read a few chapters of your favorite book, or exercise. Give yourself a complete break without checking email or social media.
- Put them in your calendar. Make appointments with yourself. Add them as a calendar entry to rest, relax and recharge. Set aside the time while you're looking at your weekly schedule so that the breaks are already built into your workflow when you get to your tasks for the day.
- Schedule quarterly “retreats.” A relaxation retreat doesn't have to be an expensive endeavor. It simply means setting aside a day, or at least part of it, to do something enjoyable. For most entrepreneurs, freeing up time for more fun in life is one of the ultimate goals, but it's easy to get caught up in busy schedules and not take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Make time for it.
Related: 3 Proven Break Strategies to Help You Become More Productive
Breaks have grown in popularity in recent years as people have realized the consequences of ignoring them. Think of breaks as a business investment, not a schedule setback. The more you find a balance between work and personal life, the more the two will naturally blend together until you find your optimal schedule.
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