Hello ,

It's almost over, if you're back to work on Monday.

Even if it has been busy with all the social events and activity with family and friends, hopefully you’re looking forward to the New Year - relaxed, de-stressed and ready to go.

It might seem strange talking about taking breaks when you’ve just had one but if you want to have a productive and successful year, breaks are important.

You may already have booked or be making plans for your Summer Holiday but that’s a long way off.

Plan in ‘days off’, long weekends and weekends away at regular intervals, so you get a proper break from work and time to recharge your batteries.

Many people want to know how to work more efficiently, so they get more done but they also want more time off.  Even when they think they’re too busy or it doesn’t seem possible.

This week is likely to be busy as you play ‘catch-up’ after a few days away from the office but don’t overdo it. Decide what new habits you'd like to create at work (more breaks, work fewer hours). Remember the importance of planning and prioritising.

If you think skipping lunch is going to give you more time, you’re likely to get less done than if you’d taken a break. Bodies and brains need fuel as well as rest. The longer you work and the more tired you become, the more your productivity, concentration and focus drops.

So go on, start this year by planning in and committing to more regular breaks. You need it and you deserve it.

If you find it hard to take breaks - get in touch. It might be easier than you think.

Have a relaxing weekend before the busyness of the week starts.