Breathing Room: Knowing When It's Time to Take a Break

You've been sitting in front of your computer for hours, working on a big project with a quickly approaching deadline, when you realize your vision is fuzzy, your head aches and your stomach is growling.

Most people can't sit and focus on one thing hour after hour without it affecting their mental and physical wellbeing. In fact, a 2007 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health study of data-entry workers found that when one group was provided with four additional, five-minute breaks throughout the day, they experienced significantly lower discomfort and eyestrain while their data- entry speed was significantly faster. So, taking more breaks is a good way to keep you focused and healthy.

The Company Won't Fall Apart without You

As harsh a reality as this is to accept, things will continue on whether you're at your desk or not. Witness the fact that when people leave organizations to move on in their careers, generally, their former companies don't fail or go under.

In her article, "Hey, Superwoman: Learn to take a break!" writer Joanna L. Krotz discusses the plight of the woman entrepreneur who is constantly in fifth gear and afraid to apply the "breaks" (excuse the pun). Joanna recommends five things to help put things into perspective and make it easier to breakaway from your daily routine:

• Create a backup. This is where you need to put yourself at the top of the list, ask for assistance, and create a support system.
• Say "no." Sure, you want to help out. But, when you already have too much on your plate, it does no one any good to say "yes."
• Announce your plans. Communicate what you're doing and when. This way, there will be no confusion, and customers, friends and family members will work around your schedule.
• Take mini-breaks. Whether you run to the gym or get your hair done, it's important to take time out to keep yourself fresh and relaxed. This includes planning regular vacations.
• Ask for help. Ask people for their support on whatever you need to accomplish, whether that means asking coworkers to pitch in on work projects or family members to help out around the house. And, be sure to reciprocate at an appropriate time.

If Not, You May Fall Apart

Sometimes, it's difficult to pull ourselves away from what we're doing because we enjoy it, we've already committed so much time to it, or we're afraid that everything will fall apart if we stop. However, the truth of the matter is that you're the one who is more likely to fall apart. Working too hard without taking a break can result in stress - to your eyes, your concentration, your emotions, even your hands and wrists if you work on a keyboard. And, unfortunately, stress can result in a number of physical, emotional, and behavioral problems.

That's why without regard to how many hours you work in a day, it's important to schedule time for regular breaks when you can stand, stretch, walk around, drink water, eat lunch, and refresh your body and mind. Remember: It's not just about knowing when it's time to take a break; it's about knowing that you should do something about it.