When you work for yourself it requires hard work and perseverance to get a business going and keep it running successfully. Therefore, it is vital that you stay motivated. It is also very important that you do not forget that you still need to take a break every now and then.

Long hours are a necessity sometimes. But if you don't take breaks, it will not take long until you became burned out. Rather than helping your business by working hard, you could actually be harming it.

How Often Do You Need a Break?

When you work for someone else, you generally get a break every couple of hours. That's a good rule of thumb. Sometimes you may not get a break quite that often, but if you go for several hours without a break, it can start affecting the quality of your work.

When you are self-employed, you don't have to stick to a strict break schedule. If you come to a stopping point, you can go ahead and take a break even if it's not time yet. If you have appointments or important errands to run, you can adjust your breaks accordingly. But it's important to make sure that you don't work too long of a stretch without taking a break.

If you're working on a difficult project and begin to get tired or frustrated, a break could be just what the doctor ordered. Nor does a break have to be particularly long to be effective. Five minutes away from your desk or computer could be all you need to feel as good as new.

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Break?

Sitting silently during your break may only make things worse if you are really frustrated. Getting your mind off of what's bothering you for a few minutes will help more. Here are some ways you can do that:

* Taking a brisk walk can help you clear your head.

* Turn the radio on and listen to some soothing music.

* Renew your focus by reading a chapter from a favorite book or an article from a magazine that interests you.

* If you are a crafter, you could work on your latest project for a few minutes.

* Try to switch to a less stressful activity for a short time if you are swamped with work and you don't feel you have time to take a break.

* Play a game on your cell phone or the Internet. Just don't get so wrapped up in it that you forget to go back to work.

Taking breaks at regular intervals can help avoid burnout and can help you recharge your batteries. When you are stressed out, a short break can improve your outlook, allow you to see things more clearly and be more productive.