There are times when your motivational cup overflows and you can’t imagine not working from sun up to sun down.

You may also have those moments when you are so burdened by deadlines that you can’t fathom walking away from your desk.

And, at other times, you may find that performing any work is simply unbearable; you stare at your screen, accomplishing nothing for twice as long as you can afford.

You might be able to sustain these for a short while, maybe even months on end. Even if your family and colleagues are able to cope (with your inability to make your own cup of tea), you’re still setting yourself for long term failure. Your body and your brain need a break in order to perform the demands you ask of them.

If you take a fresh look at time management programmes, you will see they all have one thing in common: down time. Take at a look at the time management system outlined in our free ebook Strong Decisions, Great Time Management, you will see that our time management system suggests you schedule your free time first.

There is a famous quote by basketball coach John Wooden. He says, “if you don’t have the time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”

There is a lot of wisdom in that, and it can even apply to taking a break. If you don’t have time to relax, how will you manage when your body (or your motivation) simply can’t take any more?

It’s one of the reasons we suggest the Pomodoro method, which keeps you focused for a set period, then demands a rest.

And, it’s why we bring you five minute workouts – which really do work. And, yes, it’s partially responsible for our ever present call for cake. Cake is simply good.

I’m convinced, now what?

Take Action!

• Start by scheduling break time every day that you work, and make sure to schedule at least one day a week to step away from the demands pouring into your email.

• Check out last week’s post on the Pomodoro method, (in case you missed it).

• Make sure you head over to Rethink Retreats and grab a copy of our ebook.

• And if you’re looking for something to do in your 5 minute break time, perhaps it’s time to try out one of our marvellous yoga routines. Try this one, it’s only 3 minutes long, but it’s a doozy. It’ll exercise every muscle from your ears to your toes.

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This is part of Time Management month on the Rethink Retreats blog. Check out these other useful articles on the subject:

30 Minutes Pomodoro Method
Prioritising sex
Time management: instantly increase your productivity!

Let us know how you get on; and, please do keep us posted on your time management success.