Management Tip of the Day: Defy the "Always On" Mindset

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile AUGUST 19, 2011 Defy the "Always On" Mindset Study after study shows how important rest is to the human brain. Yet, the world of work seems to get busier and more demanding every day. This means you have to make even more of an effort to disconnect and find the time to relax. Try leaving your phone at home on your next family outing. Make a to-do list on Friday and hide it (physically and mentally) until Monday morning. If this seems like a waste of potentially productive time, remind yourself that moments of quiet are critical. After focusing intently on a project or problem, the brain needs to fully disengage and relax to be creative. Only after a break can you have a breakthrough. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Go Ahead, Take that Break" by Whitney Johnson. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Guide to Getting the Right Work Done HBR OnPoint Collection Struggling to get to—much less complete—your most important work? Leaving your job most days exhausted but with little to show for it? Overwhelmed by back-to-back meetings and endless e-mails? Plagued by procrastination? Use this guide to learn how to accomplish more of the right work more efficiently by eliminating endless "urgent" tasks, delegating effectively, preventing procrastination, writing to-do lists that work, and renewing your energy with simple rituals. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Good Enough is Better than Great IT 2 Ways to Spot Industry-Changing Trends 3 Ways the Social Sector can Innovate 3 Ways to Get the Most from Your Team 3 Tips for Making a High-Stakes Decision Take a Nap at Work Convince Others to Embrace Risk 3 Things Your Company Should Do on Twitter 2 Ways You Shouldn't Pitch an Idea Cope with Your Incompetent Boss BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Free HBR Interactive issue Download the iPad app HBR Reads, and get your issue with audio and video interviews and multimedia slideshows. Learn more » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2011 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)