In issue eight on Balance, we talked about why it's so important to take breaks, unwind and recharge, and how that translates into greater happiness and productivity. But what we've also learned is it's just as important to take a break with the right mindset and intention as it is to just take a break.

The best and most beneficial breaks are had after the completion of an important task.

In an ideal world, balance is a part of everyday life. We'd celebrate progress and take time out to self-care and relax. However, in reality we often move through workload cycles of varying degrees that are at times, overwhelming, driven by out of control to-do lists and external pressures. Many of us reactively work frantically as productivity decreases and tasks become agonizing.

As we know, periodic breaks to relax or focus on a different pursuit help increase motivation and re-energize, but they can also leave us feeling anxious as the pressures of our to-do lists sit in the back of our minds. That's why it's important to approach breaks with the right attitude and intention, or relinquish any benefit.

The best and most beneficial breaks are had after the completion of an important task. It could be a small but necessary errand, a quick but crucial amendment to a paper or code, or it could be finishing a component of a much larger task or project. It's at these small to medium wins that we can reflect on what we've achieved so far and allow ourselves some time off. When we reach a milestone or complete an important task, we gain a sense of accomplishment. If we schedule a break based on that accomplishment, the break becomes somewhat of a freedom reward – the freedom to do anything you want.

This intentional break or freedom reward could be for an hour, an evening, a day or weekend to socialize, pursue a hobby, watch a few episodes of your favorite program, or sleep. Depending on what you accomplished and what your priorities and deadlines are, you'll generally know how long you need and can afford. By having a cause (the completed task) and a set break time, you take the guilt out of a break. You know why you're taking the break and you know how long for.

Intentional and causative breaks result in a guilt-free and deserved break, followed by a more productive and positive attitude to your to-do list when it's over. Not only are you refreshed, but you know that the next time you complete an important task, you'll grant yourself another satisfying yet guilt-free break. And once you've mastered and incorporated the intentional break into your routine, you may even feel an urge to cut some breaks short and get back to making things happen.