It makes sense really. Working yourself to the point of exhaustion can have a long-lasting impact on both your mental, and physical health. That's why allocating specific time for taking breaks is an essential part of your productivity routine. If you're somebody who is really trying to improve and optimise your productivity, then you may be tempted to skip breaks and dose up on caffeine in order to get through your intense work sessions. The dedication is admirable - and in the beginning, you might feel really energised and productive. You'll see an increase in the work that you're getting done and you'll likely feel accomplished and motivated. You'll repeat this process over and over, until one day you crash and burn. Unable to work like you used to, you will feel de-energised, demotivated and you may even feel like totally abandoning your work. This is classic burnout. Essentially, burnout occurs when chronic levels of stress (usually work related) have not been managed correctly.

This is why rest is key. If you're a student who's putting in a lot of hours studying or a professional who spends a significant amount of time at your desk, then you need to be taking regular, consistent rest. Rest can constitute a variety of things. Rest can mean a short nap, or a trip to the cinema with a friend. Rest can also mean listening to a good podcast, or an audio book that helps you unwind. Rest can even mean being active - by going for a run or doing some type of exercise that energises you and clears the mind. Basically, rest is anything that offers a distraction from your work and allows you that essential time to rid your mind of any stress you may be feeling.

That is why, when managing your time and allocating certain tasks to specific times, you need to be mindful of always including time for rest. Even if you feel like you don't need a break, it is really important that you take one. Once you have rested, you will feel motivated and ready to re-focus on the task at hand. So, to avoid burnout and allow your mind to detox from work / study -related stress, make time for regular, consistent breaks.