Work Better by Taking a Break

For the first time since I started writing my blog years ago, I did not post an entry last week.

My mind just completely shut down. I mean it completely turned off, 100%.

I could not think at all, much less write anything. Actually, I did have one thing on my heart to write, but it was not on topic for a career blog.

It was an obituary for our precious pooch, Kylie. Our beloved four-legged daughter has been my office-mate, constant companion, editor-in-chief and security detail while I work from home. The house is beyond quiet without her.

Even if you are not a pet lover, you can appreciate the myriad feelings one endures with the loss of a loved one.

We are heart-broken even though we had a feeling her time with us was coming to an end. It just happened much sooner that we expected.

After several days and nights nursing her, taking her to the vet, holding her paws, stroking her head and anticipating what we knew we had to do, I was exhausted. Writing and working were just not in the cards.

So I took a break, only working on projects with a deadline or those that required little creative energy.

Sometimes we all need – and deserve – a break from work and our routine. It could be that we’ve experienced something as serious as a death in the family, or maybe we’ve had a stressful few months at the office without a vacation day.

Either way, it’s good to recognize when you need time away.

Usually I’m one to put my head down and keep on going. I’ve always thought it was better to “be strong”.

But I’ve come to the conclusion that breaks are a good idea. They can be short, such as a long weekend. Or if you’re like me and work spills over, take a weekend and simply don’t work. Plan something fun, maybe take a day trip or sit at the park and watch the world go by.

The point is to do something different; something to clear your mind.

Especially if you’ve lost a loved one, I find that it’s best to get out of the house to process things, then come back and start moving forward. You will actually work better if you take a break. It allows you to regain your focus much quicker than without taking a break.

Word of caution: Eventually, and I mean sooner rather than later, you must get back to work. This is for your own good.

It’s difficult to sit at my computer without my loveable four-legged editor looking at me, begging for a treat.

Yet I go on, knowing she’s with me in spirit. And I know that’s what she would want me to do.