5 Easy Ways to Ensure You Take a Break
Author: Tony Hall

If you truly want to become successful then it is essential
that you master the skill of effective time management and
learn to gain complete control of how you spend every
moment of your day.

If you want to be able to develop as a person and take the
steps necessary to reach your goals it is a skill you must
attain and one which has many techniques. One of those key
elements is being able to boost your mind by taking breaks
from whatever you are doing. You must develop a planned
routine that includes regular times for getting away from
the task at hand and recharging your batteries.

Here are five useful tips to help you to do so:

Blocks of Time

For any specific task decide exactly how long you are going
to work on it, say 30 minutes, then when that time is up
stop what you are doing. Take a short break and then go
back to it or start on something else. When you use this
method you must stick rigidly to the time you have set and
stop regardless of what stage your work is at. So you must
plan it carefully - only you can know when it is practical
to take a break.

Start and Finish Times

Set specific start and finish times for your activities and
stick to them. You will then learn how much work makes up a
working day and so become more effective at managing your
time and putting a value on it. Always finish promptly at
the time you have set for the end of your day.

Feed Yourself

Take a regular break for lunch. Have a set time and
duration for it and ensure you take time to do something
totally unconnected from your current task. You should
never work through lunch; you need the time to nourish your
body, and your mind!

Short Breaks

Schedule into your day other short breaks of perhaps 10
minutes at a time. This is particularly important if you
are working at a computer or doing other work requiring
high levels of concentration. It will boost your energy and
improve your concentration levels. And it will ensure that
you stay healthy!

No Unplanned Breaks

Avoid taking unscheduled breaks. It is essential that you
are able to avoid interruptions and you must set rules
accordingly. For example have set times for checking emails
and stick to them. You must also ensure that your family,
friends, and work colleagues understand when you are
working on a particular task and cannot be interrupted.
Instead agree with them that you will have time set aside
for them during the day. Your breaks must always be planned!

Making time for yourself will help to boost your levels of
concentration and keep you focused on the tasks that you
have to complete. It will also help to keep you healthy and
so enable you to work effectively at all times.

So take a break!


About the Author:

This article was written by Tony Hall who runs his own
business dedicated to helping individuals develop their
personal and business skills. You can learn more about how
to develop your own life skills and get your complimentary
copy of "The Process of Success" by signing up for his
weekly newsletter at:
http://www.selfimprovementskills.com/newsletter.html