Take a Break

Last week I didn't send e-mail tip. I was taking a break.

Sometimes it is necessary to take a break when things overwhelm us. As stated in my previous tip: form a habit, I did indeed form the habit of sending weekly time management tip. This is a hobby which I enjoy doing. But when becomes involved in more responsibilities we need to prioritize and execute tasks.

Especially at work, we become so much involved in our responsibilities that we imagine there will be chaos at work, if you don't go to work on one day. It is not really so. People will be able to work around the things when you are not available. By having this fictitious imagination don't avoid taking breaks. Breaks are important for us to recharge ourselves. Drive away the stress and fatigue and forget all work related problems and come back with a fresh mind.

I have discussed this with lot of colleagues and they agreed. Lot of times software developers face some difficult problems. However difficult they try and the solution eludes them. Working late hours is not the solution. Leave the problem and go home. Next day the problem is solved within 5 minutes. When you attack a problem with a fresh mind and a new perspective it becomes easier to solve problem.

What are the best times to take breaks?

When any major projects ends and there is a lull in activities, everyone is taking a breather from the hectic project schedule. This sometimes is the best time to take a break. What in your opinion is best time to take a break?

Questions to ask: How many breaks (not forced by illness or other emergency) do you take? What do you do to recharge yourself? Do you travel? Do you get to relax?

It is also important to plan a vacation. I will cover this sometime later.

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