View Full Version : working for yourself and taking breaks
basschick
02-23-2009, 09:00 AM
most of the webmasters i know seem to have problems when it comes to taking breaks, me included. i tend not to take them unless i'm really thinking about it. others i know mean to take a break but never do actually get back to work, while still others take "breaks" that are actually working on something else.
taking a break from your monitor can help you avoid eyestrain. taking a break and going for a walk or short workout can not only help you stay healthy and avoid clots but can also sharpen your mind. taking a break by doing something entirely unrelated to work can help you come back refreshed and more creative.
so do you take breaks during your working day? and if so, are they structured - ie at least 15 minutes or the same number of breaks each day? - or do you just take 'em if you happen to think of it?
Squirt
02-23-2009, 09:20 AM
Now that I've gotten into the flow of working again I take a few structured breaks throughout the day and many random ones when the dogs come to me wanting a potty break :-D
InsaneSimon
02-23-2009, 09:30 AM
most of the webmasters i know seem to have problems when it comes to taking breaks, me included. i tend not to take them unless i'm really thinking about it. others i know mean to take a break but never do actually get back to work, while still others take "breaks" that are actually working on something else.
taking a break from your monitor can help you avoid eyestrain. taking a break and going for a walk or short workout can not only help you stay healthy and avoid clots but can also sharpen your mind. taking a break by doing something entirely unrelated to work can help you come back refreshed and more creative.
so do you take breaks during your working day? and if so, are they structured - ie at least 15 minutes or the same number of breaks each day? - or do you just take 'em if you happen to think of it?
Few weeks ago I moved to a big city (3rd biggest italian city). I have lots of friends here, my bf included. I have several breaks during the working day. I go out for lunch/dinner, to buy an icrecream, for a walk. As a result of that I do double things than before (regarding work) with less stress and enjoying my life.
Ie: I'm cropping thumbs for boys from prague galleries, I'll do 20 more galleries and then I go out a bit to buy some new clothes. Then I'll back home, I'll do other 30 galleries then I'll have a dinner out with my friends. I love my life here.
dzinerbear
02-23-2009, 09:41 AM
Actually, I've just started a new program where I'm trying really hard to implement new behaviours.
This morning I ate my breakfast at the dining room table instead of the computer. By measuring and eating consciously, I calculated that I probably saved myself 500 calories — amazing how free pouring cereal can add up.
I worked for two hours, and then, I went for a walk for an hour. Now I'm back to work for the afternoon.
Cheers
Michael
I usually check in first thing when I wake up to make sure there are no emergencies and that a nuclear war didn't break out overnight.
Then I head to the gym for a few hours. I get home & make two sandwiches and eat one. Then take the hound dog for a hour walk (on a good day). Eat another sandwich. Then then I start to do real work for a few hours before taking a break to eat again. Then work for a few more hours...
I like breaking up my day like this as it keeps the stress level down and by eating frequently, keeps my belly flat :)
I like to take a structured break at least every two hours. After my morning work I usually walk for 30 - 50 minutes, shower, then work for a few more hours before a late lunch usually around 2 or todays case 3:15. Making time for real breaks does help me to think clearer and I get more done. Sometimes even take a 45 minute power nap does wonders.
MiamiBoyz
02-23-2009, 01:49 PM
I get up in the morning and check stats...answer emails...work on projects and then typically the boyfriend and I go out for lunch. Lunch in Buenos Aires is a SLOW affair so I am forced to take a 2 hour break just to have lunch! After that I am ready to go back and put in a few more hours but I am actually anxious to get back to work after that LONG lunch!
drakerock
02-23-2009, 03:28 PM
With children and dogs breaks are built into every day - dictated by *their* whims. Family dinner is also welcome diversion. Plus I go to the gym for two hours every day.
HunkMoneyLuke
02-23-2009, 03:45 PM
working to a schedule not only improves your health (by forcing you to take breaks) but it also VASTLY improves your productivity.
AnthonyDeAngelo
02-23-2009, 05:58 PM
so do you take breaks during your working day? and if so, are they structured - ie at least 15 minutes or the same number of breaks each day? - or do you just take 'em if you happen to think of it?
we spend a lot of time weight training at the gym - about 5-6 days a week and, we also take regular power walks around our beachside community
we have a fantastic view of the ocean which helps us shift our focus from our work on close in displays to far distant points on the horizon - its important to look away from your displays regularly and focus on something in the distance - that's what all the doctors advise for good eye health
of course, we have the reflection off the water to contend with which is a different issue...
and when we're taking breaks during regular work time, we will move around in our house from station to station so we can cook and work and multi-task
I think its a great idea to have several work stations and several places to work within your house or apartment
naps are also proven to be essential
so yeah - lots of breaks when you work at home which help stimulate creativity and keep the mind sharp
basschick
02-23-2009, 06:50 PM
i don't think of having to take the dog for a walk or the kids to the park as a break - true, you are no longer working, but it isn't decompressing and relaxing, either. in a way, since it's something you have to do, it seems more like a different kind of work to me.
still, that's only my take on it. obviously others feel quite differently.
MatthewVieques
02-23-2009, 07:32 PM
naps are also proven to be essential
Naps work great for me, I love em! :happy:
gaydemon
02-24-2009, 03:27 AM
I dont think I know what the meaning of a break is..
I feel like such a slob compared to most of you, all seem so active and doing stuff! I do have to try and get my act together and work less! :happy:
Teddy
02-24-2009, 06:11 AM
I'm a binge worker. I put in 4-5 days of working non-stop and then 2-3 days where I work less.
tigermom
02-24-2009, 11:56 PM
i don't think of having to take the dog for a walk or the kids to the park as a break - true, you are no longer working, but it isn't decompressing and relaxing, either. in a way, since it's something you have to do, it seems more like a different kind of work to me.
Hmmm, interesting view. In my experience, it can be either. Some times being with the kids is mostly chores, but others it's pure fun. I try to make it more fun and over the past few months, I think I really improved on my parenthood skills. Being with my two kids is more of a joy now than ever before. They just make me smile inside.
I take a break almost everyday for a workout. I actually stopped taking it at the gym, and switched to running outdoors - much more fun! You might say that working out is also a kind of a chore btw ;) Again, depends on the day and the mood.
I don't watch TV much, but I do take a couple of hours every week to watch my favorite shows online (in bed, on the laptop). Oh, and a daily nap is almost a must here. Thankfully the kids are old enough for me to take that!