It's okay to take a break

This is something I am very much still learning and has been particularly relevant this week, so I thought I'd muse on it some and try and figure out whether I can sort my thoughts into something useful both for myself and anyone out there who needs to hear this.

There's been a bit of a heatwave in the UK this week - it's been consistently in the high 20s, low 30s (80-90 Fahrenheit for you Americans) and I don't know about anyone else, but for me that makes it really hard to do anything brain-intensive. Combine this with the fact that I was doing a few pieces of work that stalled at various points for review or input from others and I found myself feeling guilty for "not doing enough".

Instead of getting up and wandering around and taking a well-deserved breather, I sat at my desk doing "busy work" just so that I could say that I was doing stuff and to squash that uncomfortable feeling. Seems silly, but I bet I'm not the only one who does this! Having already nearly burned out several times, you'd think I'd know better, but it would seem not.

So, let's put it out there in black and white: you do not need to be working 100% of the time - you simply do not. No excuses, no buts, you are allowed to take a break and wander around every so often. The break can even be more than five minutes long! I know it seems like this isn't important but it really is: as Software Engineers we work almost exclusively with our brains and our brains get tired. Pushing your brain beyond its limits helps nobody, especially not you.

I did a quick internet search for "the importance of taking breaks" and there is so much evidence out there that it's important and beneficial. The Wellbeing Thesis, a project created by the University of Derby and King's College London says this on the topic: "Studies have found that breaks can reduce or prevent stress, help to maintain performance throughout the day and reduce the need for a long recovery at the end of the day".

I honestly think it's my tendency to pick up those "busy work" tasks that make me so prone to exhaustion. And yes, it's nice to finish a task rather than sitting there feeling bad about not doing anything, but it's also important to be able to tolerate discomfort and boredom - something we're not very good at in this constantly connected day and age.

Anyway, I have no real concrete tips for you other than "go take a break!" Take this as your sign and your permission. Go make a drink, take a walk, pet your cat/dog/other animal or lie down and have a quick nap. The choice is yours!