There are a lot of work days where I find myself getting so caught up with the project at hand that I realize, through various aches and pains, that I haven’t taken my eyes off of the computer screen, my seat is a perfect mold to my rear end and my fingers stuck in a claw like “asdf space jkl;” position.
Although the non-stop work seems productive, it often leads to a state of tunnel vision. The end goal unconsciously changes from a strategically driven piece to a deadline-driven piece that neither client nor designer is particularly thrilled with.
Sometimes you need a break—not a multi-hour online gaming break, but a breather to clear your head, mind and chair indentations so you can keep a fresh and focused perspective on your work. Here are a few ways to take such a break that I’ve learned to embrace over the years:
1. Audit. Go out and see first hand what you are working on. Find it, see how it works, looks and feels. Whether you’re designing a website for a new company branch or creating an ad for a new piece of equipment, there’s always something tangible that you can experience to broaden your perspective. Take note of its competitors and similar products/services—what are they doing successfully and how can you make your project pop?
2. Take work meetings to a restaurant. Whether its an internal creative meeting or a client meeting, get out of the confines of the day-to-day office environment. Feed your mind and your stomach, and take in the change in atmosphere. If you’re with clients, they, too, will likely embrace the change of scenery, and it gives you an opportunity to not only discuss the task at hand, but upcoming projects, as well, all while sipping a cup of coffee and eating French toast—a winning combination!
3. Stretch. If you’re like me, you’re at the mercy of your keyboard and mouse for eight hours. Make sure you do a series of stretches to free up the muscles and joints in your hands, arms, neck, back and legs. It only takes a few seconds, but your muscles will welcome the movement, and so will you. Here are a few hand exercise that help loosen up my hands after long days of designing.
Some of my coworkers also enjoy a brisk walk around the block or to a landmark. I personally don’t like to do this as it takes away precious time to eat, but the key is to find what works best for you.