Work Hard, Procrastinate Often

by Nancy Sackheim

How often do you take a break from writing and just goof off?  It's okay.  It's actually more than okay.  Those who research this sort of thing say taking breaks stimulates creativity while prolonged focus on a single task may actually lead to creative block.  In other words, idleness is not a flaw.  It is actually vital for the creative process.

David Burkus of Harvard Business Review explains exactly why breaks lead to creative breakthroughs:"The researchers found that the group given a break...generated the most ideas...One possible explanation for these findings is that...When you work on a problem continuously, you can become fixated on previous solutions....Taking a break from the problem and focusing on something else entirely gives the mind some time to release its fixation on the same solutions and let the old pathways fade from memory. Then, when you return to the original problem, your mind is more open to new possibilities -- eureka moments."

Activity increases in multiple areas of your brain when you are relaxed.  Your brain solves difficult problems while you daydream. 

Give yourself a break and take it.  Your success as a writer depends on it!

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash