I grew up in a home where hard work was prized and slothfulness was an incredible sin.
My parents came through the depression of the 1930’s and it left an indelible impression on them.
Getting a job, any job, was the highest priority.
It came before family, sleep, spiritual belief, and friendships.
Most of all, work came before any relaxation.
Now, I am not here to bury hard work but to adjust it.
It is very easy to get into a busy rhythm that is a cycle that cannot be stopped.
When I do stop, I sometimes feel guilty and old guilt shows up that I am not being a good worker.
However, research has found that taking frequent breaks during the workday actually makes us better workers.
A survey from the office supply store Staples, detailed how breaks have a huge beneficial effect.
The survey found that 41% of employees are burned out.
55% of employees feel they cannot leave their desk for a break.
Quality breaks are a critical part of success. It won’t cure burnout but it can help lift the mood a little!
I got to thinking about psychiatrists and the fact a 1-hour session is actually only 50 minutes.
Now, I try to take a break every hour even if it is only for a few minutes to stand up and walk around a bit.
It feels weird to stop working in the middle of something and walk around but it works!
I have not measured my performance but it is clear that I feel better for taking these breaks.
Try wasting time each hour and see how it works!