Comments on: Take Lots of Breaks to Get More Done

By: Easylivingsherpa.com

Easylivingsherpa.com — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:06:58 +0000

Establish Internet-free Zones
Last Wednesday I woke up to find that my Internet connection wasn’t working. While I have an alternative 3G connection, I get charged by the half-hour so a consistent connection that way wasn’t an option. Working with only occasional Internet access was extremely frustrating at first, and it made me realize how dependent I am on the web. However, after the initial adjustment, I found that I was actually more productive when I wasn’t connected to the Internet. This happens every time my connection goes out, which is more often than I’d like. If this is the case, maybe I should consciously disconnect myself from time to time? Why Disconnect?
One observable benefit of disconnecting from the Internet for a time is that it allows you to better rank tasks according to importance, and even drop tasks that aren’t necessary after all. Many online workers might be able to work like this all the time, but I’m not one of them. Luckily, one hour without Internet access seems to help. Limiting my time on the web also seems to help prevent me from taking too much time with random surfing. Additionally, if I complement Internet-free time with computer-free time and use pen and paper instead, it’s much easier on the eyes.

By: Lalitha Brahma

Lalitha Brahma — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:28:00 +0000

Excellent article!
What’s your favorite 5-10 minute rejuvenating or recharging break?
1. Writing Gratitude journal-Thanking for small things like my husband and children reaching home safely (Which we take for granted)
2. Writing thoughts and feelings on paper in the form of letter to myself ( When I am overwhelmed or feel like a Non-achiever)-This leads to unconditional love for myself, which in turn helps me let go of judging others.

By: Elastic Zone

Elastic Zone — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:45:05 +0000

Sometimes in the simple things of the life is the secret of the hapiness, great article … well I take a break right now

By: Gypsy

Gypsy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:12:00 +0000

Reading this I felt the need for Zen Habits sister site- ‘Zen habits for at home parents’. I would love some suggestions for the break activities you can take when you can’t really take a break. I can see 2 things on that list that may work for me (Change channels and Snack). I also have visions of trying to do a headstand and having my 18 month old come over to me and preventing me from getting down without squishing him… hmmmm there’s no. 3 on the lists for at home parents to do to take a break- Laugh!

By: Katy

Katy — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 07:55:19 +0000

@Sebastian Well, I guess I’m not that disciplined yet :) I still find myself lost reading nice stuff….

By: Sebastian Franck

Sebastian Franck — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:30:39 +0000

@Katy … oh yeah, forgot – it’s crucial to keep single-tasking! When you do the blog thing, that’s what you do (he said, all the while writing an e-mail, opening a Word doc and fiddling with his iTunes …).

By: Sebastian Franck

Sebastian Franck — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:24:33 +0000

@Katy I see where you’re coming from … at first I had that issue. But I guess I’ve established kind of a routine around it. Open NetNewsWire – blast through the previews, set aside a few posts to read. Read, maybe comment, and back to work. It is tempting to lose oneself in reading, but I know I have work to do, copy to deliver, ideas to gel, so I get back – and usually the words, ideas and thoughts flow a lot more easily. I’m not quite sure how it works – but it does. That sure helped, didn’t it!!!

By: John Russo

John Russo — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:07:36 +0000

I’m in the middle of studying and constantly learning internet marketing, trying to set up an effective blog and redo a poorly designed website, squeeze in medical research then work a full time job. What do I do for fun and relaxation? Well I have to do some cleaning, laundry, take care of a few pet birds everyday and stop to eat and shower before running to work. I love music so I go to Grooveshark and bring up my playlist to excite the senses I slip on the headphones and almost feel like I’m back at a drum set. Other days I turn on the main sound system. My bird, an African Grey, likes music too. He dances. Exercise is really helpful so I started to do that again along free weights. I still have some focus problems. Too many issues to resolve.

By: Craig

Craig — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:20:53 +0000

What a terrific way to approach everything thanks Perry!

By: Katy

Katy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:28:29 +0000

@Sebastian Franck
Doesn’t it happen to you that you spend more than a few minutes reading the blogs ? :D I’ve tried the same method, but I usually find myself lost reading what I like, and I find it really hard to get back to work. Isn’t it hard for you also to go back to work ?