December 25th, 2021
The mind must be given relaxation—it will rise improved and sharper after a good break. Just as rich fields must not be forced—for they will quickly lose their fertility if never given a break—so constant work on the anvil will fracture the force of the mind. But it regains its powers if it is set free and relaxed for a while. Constant work gives rise to a certain kind of dullness and feebleness in the rational soul.
Merry Christmas!
While our brain is an organ, we would do well to also consider our mind as a muscle. As such, our mind has limitations and can become fatigued or harmed when over-worked, strained, not given proper rest just as our muscles.
Often as a developer, I can become so focused on a project that I will spend hours without a break. This can happen for different reasons. Either I can find myself in a groove, a flow where I don't want to stop for fear that my momentum will cease. Or, most often, I am stuck, unable to move forward to complete my task at hand.
In either case, I have found getting away from my computer, desk and office is essential for a productive work day. While work is going well, taking a break at intervals, makes me more efficient. Taking a break is even more important when the work has stalled. It is often while away from the work, I am able to take of the blinders off and see the solution from a fresh perspective.
I have joked with Pauline, there have been many occasions that I have been sitting in the bathroom doing my business when a solution comes to mind. It is amusing to me to think of how many prominent solutions may have been resolved on the throne.
When we are faced with the stresses of trying to focus, straining to keep our patience, we should take a moment and stop. Step away. Take a short break. Clear the mind. You may find when you return, you will have clarity, energy and creativity to help complete the task at hand.