Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
As an entrepreneur, time management is critical to success. As an immigrant founder, I know how important hard work and dedication are to the success of your business. However, it’s important to remember that working non-stop without breaks can lead to long-term negative effects. Studies have shown that prolonged work sessions can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, and even physical and mental health problems. Finding a balance between hard work and time to rest and recharge is crucial to being truly successful.
We all need to start taking more breaks and unwinding a bit during our workday. Rather than following the traditional belief that you should only stop when you’re tired, I think it’s important to take small breaks before you even feel tired.
This can help prevent burnout and increase productivity in the long term. I’ve seen the benefits of taking regular breaks and detaching myself from my own business, and I encourage others to do the same. As successful entrepreneurs, it is essential for us to lead by example and to put our well-being first in order to continue to achieve our goals.
See Also: Increased Productivity Will Increase Your Happiness
It’s important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. However, finding activities that break out of our routine and give us a glimpse into the fun and non-judgmental spaces can benefit everyone. This can be anything from walking, meditating, reading a book to even taking a quick nap.
The key is to find something that will help you relax and re-energize. It’s also important to take some time to unwind from work and social media. This can help us focus on ourselves and our well-being without distraction. By finding activities that work for us and taking regular breaks, we can increase our productivity and enjoy the entrepreneurship journey.
Below I share the three most unique ideas for a break that I can recommend:
1. Make coffee and wash dishes
Taking a break from work is essential to maintain focus and productivity. But instead of scrolling through social media or checking your phone, try something unconventional, like making a coffee or washing the dishes. A recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that performing simple, everyday tasks like washing the dishes can have a positive impact on our well-being. The repetitive motion of these tasks can be meditative, allowing you to focus on the present moment and relieve any pent-up stress or tension.
Making coffee (a favorite activity of mine, especially a good iced espresso latte) can be a great way to break the monotony of work and give yourself a little joy. Plus, it’s a great way to take care of daily chores and disconnect from technology. The aroma and taste of freshly ground coffee can help improve our mood and reduce stress.
So next time you need a break, try making a coffee or doing the dishes. You’ll be amazed at how it can help you relax, refresh your mind, and increase your concentration. There are great brands that offer a range of decaffeinated beans and ground coffee for an anxiety-free experience.
Related: 3 Reasons Espresso Could Be Your Shortcut to Productivity (It Works for Elon Musk)
2. Taking your dog for an unexpected walk
It’s easy to get bogged down in work and responsibilities, which can leave you feeling burned out and unproductive. Walking your dog is a unique activity that can help break the cycle and increase productivity. Not only does it give you and your furry friend some much-needed exercise and fresh air, but it also offers an opportunity to retreat from your work and disconnect from technology. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in your work-life balance.
These unexpected walks can also help return to the workplace with a new perspective and renewed energy, which can increase productivity and allow for a better work-life balance. So the next time you’re feeling stressed or unproductive, try taking your pooch for an unexpected walk and you’ll see the difference it makes.
Related: Why You Need More Exercise as an Entrepreneur (And 7 Creative Strategies to Get It)
3. Switch off and enjoy the shisha
Smoking hookah is a unique activity that can be a great way to take a break from work and unwind. Hookah, also known as shisha or hookah, is a traditional method of smoking flavored tobacco that has been enjoyed in the Middle East, India and other parts of Asia for centuries.
Smoking hookah is often viewed as a social activity and can be a great way to meet up with friends or co-workers while taking a break from work. Preparing and smoking shisha is a ritual in itself and can be a great way to detach from work and other stressors.
In addition to being a fun and social activity, smoking hookah has several benefits for your overall well-being. Here are two benefits of smoking hookah during your free time:
- Relaxation – Smoking hookah can be a great way to unwind and relax after a long day at work. Inhaling and exhaling smoke can be calming, and the tobacco flavors can help calm the mind.
- Increased Focus and Concentration — Preparing and smoking shisha can be a great way to clear your head and focus on the present moment. This can help improve your focus and concentration when you return to work.
Smoking hookah can be a unique and enjoyable way to take a break from work and unwind. Whether you smoke alone or with friends, smoking a hookah can offer several benefits to your overall well-being and help you return to work refreshed and focused.
In summary, taking a break from work is essential to maintain focus and productivity. Making a coffee or washing the dishes is just an unconventional example of this, but there are many other ways to break up your routine and refresh your mind.
Finding activities that work for you is important. Take the time to experiment with different options and see what works best.
