Managing a firm is no easy feat. You probably work 80 hours a week – at least -just to ensure that operations run smoothly. While this sort of lifestyle can be productive, it’s also to overfatigue, stress, and anxiety (which can counteract all that productivity down the line).
Sure, you want to do right by your business and your distributed teams. However, optimum productivity also requires taking breaks. So, if you’re a workaholic who feels guilty whenever you step away from your desk for a breather, here are seven tips to help you make the most of them so you won’t feel so bad when you need a break:
Schedule AND Take Breaks
Yes, that’s right. Schedules shouldn’t just be about meetings and work. Breaks should be part of yours too. And this is where sticking to the said schedule comes in.
When things get hectic, it’s tempting to keep going without taking a break. Next thing you know, you’re dealing with eye strain, a sore back, and the very real threat of burnout on the horizon. You are of no use to anyone in this state, so do yourself a favor and take that break when it comes.
Alternatively, Take Unscheduled Breaks
Not a fan of fixed routines? Just listen to your body. After long hours at work, your arms are probably numb and your legs might be screaming for you to stand up.
When that happens, stop what you’re doing and go for a walk. (Better yet, do a 10-minute yoga session.) Simply standing up and stretching in place works just as fine too.
Unplug From Technology
Sorry to disappoint but effective breaks don’t involve scrolling down your social media newsfeed. You actually need to disconnect from the internet if you want to clear your mind, even just for a while.
Instead, try to take a walk outside, water your indoor plants, or play with your dog. Your mind will thank you for it, and you’ll come back feeling re-energized.
Munch on a Nutritious Snack
Facilitating meetings can be draining. But instead of drowning yourself in too much caffeine, snack on something more nutritious or whip up a few recipes using your pantry staples.
Unlike yet another cup of coffee, a healthy snack will boost your energy without giving you palpitations. Or keep sending you to the toilet.
Do Something You Enjoy
As mentioned earlier, breaks are only effective if you do activities you enjoy. For example, you can listen to music (doesn’t matter if it’s classical or heavy metal) or you can also have a quick chat with a friend.
If you’ve got a lot on your plate, a 15-minute break should suffice. As long as you spend it doing something you actually enjoy.
Meditate
I know it’s difficult to take a break, let alone meditate, when you’ve got deadlines to oversee and clients to meet. However, a moment’s peace might just be the ticket in these overwhelming instances.
Taking a step back to meditate will help clear your head. This renewed clarity, in turn, can help you make better decisions and stay focused on the tasks ahead.
Redecorate Your Workplace
Working from home means you get to customize your own home office. Aside from privacy, you also have complete freedom on how your workspace looks and feels.
Setting up your workplace during your break can be a great way to destress. Plus, all that moving around has to count as physical exercise, right?
Running a business can mean plenty of late nights and early mornings. Doing so in the new normal is trickier because the line between work and leisure gets blurred.
Fortunately, Remote Staff has been helping Australian entrepreneurs like you achieve more business goals with the help of our skilled remote workers from the Philippines. On top of that, we also provide onboarding assistance so you’ll have some more extra time to enjoy and maximise your breaks.
Call us today or schedule a call back so we can get started.
Serena has been working remotely and writing content for the better part of the last decade. To date, she's written for Pepper.ph and Mabuhay Magazine, among others, and has churned out more than a thousand articles on everything from The Basics of Stock Market Investing to How to Make Milk Tea-Flavored Taho at home.
