I’m currently putting together a PowerPoint presentation for a staff in-service at work. I've been sitting in front of my computer for hours gathering and organizing the information and playing with PowerPoint formating and animation.
Sometimes when I have a task to accomplish, I will bury myself in the project until it’s done.
I say this is good and bad.
The good is obvious: I will get the task done! The bad, however: I will work through lunch hours which leaves me wide open to a sweet tooth attack later in the day. I will sit (although fidgeting constantly!) for long periods of time in front of a computer screen which leads to the Heavy Eyes Numb Bum Syndrome.
And like the Law of Diminishing Returns from Economics 101, the longer I sit, the less productive I am.
I have recently started realizing the power of “The Break.”
In some respects I don't think I've been used to taking breaks on the job! Kind of funny, isn't it? I used to work on an inpatient unit for many years where "The Break" was a fantasy, like Santa Claus! (You... all... don't still believe in Santa... right???)
Now I’m in a completely different work environment where "The Break" is real, available, and plentiful! Yet I almost feel guilty if I stop working for a while to enjoy it!
This week I’ve started making myself take breaks throughout the day. I even - heaven forbid - leave the hospital during my lunch break! And I like it! What a rebel I am! 
I find that my total productivity increases with breaks, even though technically I'm working less. Plus, breaks seem to make the work day go by quicker (big, cheesy grin)!
You may be thinking, "Yeah, I already knew all of this!" But apparently I have not been well versed in the power of "The Break."
I have every confidence, though, that I'll be quite a master of it... and very soon!
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4 comments ↓
The problem comes when your break time is bigger than your productive time, which is my tendency. LOL
I’m glad you’re finding the benefit of a good break!
Last night that worked out really well for me…I got Micah to time me fore 25 minutes of writing, 25 minutes of break, 25 minutes of writing and then free time. It was a nice mix. When I’m sewing and such, I often have a hard time making myself take a break. I’ve been known to sew for 6 hours with nothing but the occasional bathroom breaks. Sometimes I won’t let myself use the bathroom unless I finish this part…it’s bad. But I also really enjoy being in the compulsive flow of a sewing project, so it’s not all bad. I just have to learn to break up the compulsion at least every few hours.
Lynnae,
Yes, you’re absolutely right. It’s not good to go to the other extreme either… (even though sometimes it’s fun)!
Mrs. Micah,
I imagine it’s probably very calming too. I’m sure you’ve created some very lovely quilts and sewing projects!
Well, at least your love for quilting and sewing is a creative and productive activity.
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