We should all take breaks when we work. You might think this is because you need to rest; maybe the work is difficult or not particularly enjoyable, so you have to stop to get some respite, right?
But you also have to have take breaks when you’re enjoying the work.
“But I’ll break my flow state!” you say.
I believe it’s detrimental to stay in it.
Set a timer to work and a timer to rest. Honour both.
If you don’t rest to break up the deep work, you’re more likely to burn out and get to the point of diminishing returns.
It won’t feel like it at the time, your brain will tell you “No! It’s going well, I’ll just do this little bit more!”
That’s a sure sign to take 5 minutes.
If you do take that 5 minutes, you’ll be ITCHING to get back to work AND you’ll have the benefit of a short break.
The 5 minutes you take off of the enjoyable work acts like a sling shot, pulling back the rubber band and building your excitement, anticipation and so the passion you can bring to your next work chunk.
Take breaks when it’s hard and take breaks when it’s fun.
You’ll get more out of yourself over time.
