You have many tasks to perform and not enough time to complete them. Moreover, new tasks come faster than you can finish the old ones. You may have already been working flat out for some time and still not have everything done. In such a situation, most people would like more time or the ability to work faster. Although it may sound counter-productive, taking a break may help you gain time and energy.
Craig Jarrow, alias Time Management Ninja, writes about this in an article on the topic of effective time management. He explains that the purpose of the pause in this context is to gain new strength and prevent exhaustion. Equally important, however, is to think about whether what you are doing, plus why and how you are doing it, really moves you forward. When should you take a break? Definitely before you have no other choice. According to Jarrow, the following situations are the most common:
1. When you lag behind
This is a situation where you are always doing yesterday's work and almost do not start with today's.
2. When you do not give your best performance
Once you notice the quality of your work is declining, you should find the reason.
3. When you lack time
If you are telling yourself you have no time for a break, it is in fact high time to stop and think.
4. When you are doing something you should not be doing
Think about your priorities. Do you spend too much time on trivial activities?
5. When you feel that you need to slow down
Your body is clearly indicating it is exhausted. Prevent health problems that may be caused by overwork.
6. When you hurry too much
Remember that "haste makes waste". You can certainly see that haste increases the number of errors. Excessive haste only brings more work for you.
7. When you are not ready
Do not start any important work without preparation.
8. When you face an important decision
Do not act rashly. You should carefully think through every important decision in your life.
9. When you are ill
Excessive workload weakens you and makes you less resistant to illnesses. If you become ill, a break is really important. Do not go to work if you can infect others.
10. When you do not spend time with your loved ones
Try to reconsider your priorities. The time you could have spent with your family and loved ones will never return.
-kk-