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How do I know to stop and have a break if I have not finished?

11 Answers
Last Updated: 10/19/2020 at 7:36pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Alex DS Ellis, MA, LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

Feeling depressed or anxious can be so overwhelming. I want to help you feel better and be able to enjoy life. You are not alone and you deserve emotional support.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
February 25th, 2015 10:10pm
Whenever you feel overwhelmed just step away for a couple of minutes. Have a cup of water or do something else to get your mind off of what you're doing. Then, come back and start again. That mini-break will make you feel a bit renewed.
AmandaArctica
February 26th, 2015 7:27pm
If you are feeling as though you aren't able to concentrate, or that your eyes aren't as sharp as they were an hour ago, it's time to take a break. Either of those signs are your body telling you "hey, I'm tired!" and you should listen to that.
WarmSummer86
April 10th, 2015 5:52pm
It's important not to overwhelm ourselves. Taking breaks are an important part of ensuring that doesn't happen. We're often more refreshed and focused after a short break. For myself, I usually decide on a specific amount of time to focus on a task for and then award myself a break before going back to continue. For example, if I'm wanting to clean my house and I know it's going to take me awhile, I'll work for 30 minutes and then give myself a 5 minute break before going back and carrying on. It's all about finding a balance that works for you and helps you stays focused and alert.
sarahTurtle51
May 25th, 2015 3:09pm
Hello, thank you for contacting 7 cups. you say that you don't know how to stop if you have not finished, what are doing that may require a break?
livethroughscars
June 5th, 2015 3:38pm
You assess how close you are to the end of your goal. If you're a few sentences, then carry on. If it's a whole chapter of a book, just get out of your chair, grab a drink, walk around for a few minutes then come back to it!
heycrysteezy
- Expert in Work Stress
June 18th, 2015 2:02am
Depends on the situation. When I'm at work, I don't have an actual lunch break, or any breaks for that matter. So with that, my form of a break is calming down, letting my coworker answer a few calls, while I work on filing or other things on the computer. With my studies, I take frequent short breaks. I can't focus on one assignment for extended periods of time. My brain kind of tells me when I need a break, because I find myself getting antsy or tired. But the break has to be something else on the computer, because if I close it or put it down, then I'll forget about the task at hand. With things like cleaning, I try to make as big of a dent in the mess as possible, then take a rest...the rest may take a few hours, but I know that eventually I'll get the task done.
Br33zyS3tz
August 10th, 2015 2:54pm
This is important to consider--the fact that the brain, the mind, the soul: (they) all need time to rest and recuperate, to recharge, in an effort to functional appropriately and effectively; it's hard sometimes to break away from tasks, projects and certain circumstances, yet it is to be understood, that allowing for some moments away from such activity is essential in conducting healthy and productive behavior. Hence, despite the reluctance to take a break from not being finished, its important to do so when thoughts/ideas/etc. are exhausted and not coming easily to you; its beneficial to take breaks in an effort to continue being productive, efficient and effective; breaks allow for new concepts to flow, for new creations to emerge.
Greatlistener87
- Expert in Work Stress
March 21st, 2016 3:43am
Having a break is totally fine if you need 1 halfway through whatever it is you are doing. But remember that there is a time for everything so make sure to set a timing for breaks and timing for work. Don't get too comfortable in taking too much of breaks and push yourself too hard to have to much or work.Find the balance and create a schedule for yourself and stick to that schedule.
JainAviral
June 21st, 2016 1:37pm
As soon as you think you are not giving your 100% to your task.... Take a break.. And make sure you are ready to give your 100% when you come back from it......
Anonymous
April 27th, 2020 7:35pm
If you start to lose your place or feel confused about your work, it may be time for a break. We all get carried away when completing tasks sometimes and it is important to remember that it is better to pause and regroup than to push on and not have as great of an end product. Take a short stretch break, clear your mind, drink some water and get back to it. You will feel refreshed and rejuvinated and ready to try a different approach. Finishing a project may be the end goal, but you must take care of yourself in the process
orangecat01
October 19th, 2020 7:36pm
think about how your feeling when your doing what ever you are doing. think about how you feel. are you tired? do you need a break? and force yourself on a break to regenerate and regather your emotions, thoughts, and feelings. clear your mind and relaxe even if its only for 15 min. over working yourself on anything can be strussful and actually make it harder to get anything done. overworking yourself can hurt your mental state as well. treat your body like a temple take care of it because its the only one you got. and i dont know the situation your in weather its work or school but this applies in any situation. take care.