Take A Break

I went to the pub last night. On a school night I know! And it was great. 

Even though the temperature was far too low for anyone to be truly comfortable, the garden tables were busy and there were lots of happy looking people. Including my group.

It was great to catch up in person rather than just via computer screens. Part of catching up meant hearing from each other about how our work situations have changed. And how we’ve managed to adapt. Or not. 

I Want To Break Free

One friend was struggling with working from home. Even though it’s been a year since he started doing it he’s found it very difficult. Handily, I run a webinar called Time Management: Working From Home and he was happy to hear ideas that might help.

We spent a few minutes exploring things he could do. The one key thing that he needed to do was set clear boundaries about starting and stopping work. He knew this but was struggling to define those limits. 

It’s a common challenge and having worked from home for years myself I know all about it. The struggle is real!

Get Up Stand Up

One main problem for people seems to be knowing when to take a break. And then forcing yourself to take it. The benefits are myriad and obvious but somehow, when we’re working from home, it is more of a struggle to step away from the desk. 

Every time this issue comes up it makes me think of a lady I read about in the paper who had the job of Professional Tea Taster. Until I read this piece I’d always assumed that this title was an unofficial one held by my wife, but no, it’s actually a real thing.

At first glance it looks like the dream job - imagine getting paid to drink cups of tea! But then I learned that training for the role of fully fledged tea buyer and blender takes seven years. Hmmm.

And any would be applicants should also be aware that on a regular day you’ll be required to taste between fity to three hundred cups of tea. Not quite so appealing now is it?

Anyway I come back to this story when the issue of taking a break arises because what the hell does a professional tea taster do when it’s time for a break? There’s not going to be a mad dash for the kettle is there?

Sit Down And Have Some Sugary Tea

Having a cuppa is, for much of the country, our way of pressing pause on the work in hand. Enjoying a brew is the recognised way of downing tools and switching off. Even it’s just for ten minutes.

Taking time for tea is a shorthand for having a break. You don't have to drink tea but I do recommend always, routinely pressing pause on work. Taking a break can benefit you in lots of different ways. You could:

• Stretch your muscles
• Raise your heart rate
• Boost your energy
• Exercise your eyes
• Socialise with colleagues
• Refocus when you return
• Reduce stress
• Relax your mind
• Refuel with a snack
• Improve your memory
• Gain a fresh perspective

Be strict with yourself. Set an alarm for when you want to take a break. And then respect your earlier self. You know, the organised version of you that actually set the alarm, not the undisciplined current you that’s busy ignoring the alarm just to get through a few more emails. 

Relax (Don’t Do It)

If you’re working from home set up routines and stick to them. Create defined times and Do’s and Don’ts.

Do take time for reading. Do strum the guitar for ten minutes. Do take a walk. Do spend fifteen minutes in the garden. Do stare into the distance.

Don’t spend your break scrolling on your mobile. Don’t watch TV. Don’t immediately walk to the fridge. 

Whatever it is that would benefit you most, write that thing down and set reminders to help you to do it. And respect yourself for organising those breaks.

I was pleased to learn too that our professional tea taster does enjoy a brew out of hours! She says “When I get home, I have three teas: a regular brew when I get in, then after dinner I’ll have a mint tea, and a camomile before bed.”

Right, I’m off to put the kettle on.