Stay Fresh

For most of us, the semester has a rhythm. It gets busy, yes, but our days are predictable and coursework, meetings, and other responsibilities provide structure. What happens when you remove the structure? Many of us find ourselves working independently, often at home, during the summer. Certainly there's the potential to get off track and lose time. But today I want to talk about the flip side of that problem: Working too much. Is it possilble to work too much? You bet!

What are the signs of working too much?

• Not taking breaks
• Working all waking hours
• Working at night
• Never turning your computer off
• Missing meals
• Not showering until evening
• Being constantly exhausted

Why is working too much bad for you? To make light of it: You'll fry your brain! Without taking regular intervals of time off you'll ultimately be less productive. Schedule breaks. Schedule an end time for each work period. And stick to your schedule. You may not want to stop when you're on a roll, but it will be easier to get in the groove again later if you stop half-way through a task. Follow your schedule and also take time off - at least one day off each week. You'll be mentally fresh and ready to do some of your best work. Taking time off is not slacking - it's healthy. It took me a long time to learn that!