If you have a lot of work to get done today, try taking a break. Or two.
Pushing hard for long periods is not that effective. It drains your batteries and dulls your abilities.
Instead, follow the advice outlined in a recent New York Times article: Work in short, focused sessions. Between these bursts, take breaks.
I can attest that breaks like these keep me in the zone of continued effectiveness. At the end of such breaks, I usually feel excited, refreshed. And I accomplish more with greater ease.
You can, too. Try even one extra break today. If, for instance, you have a 30-minute chunk of work to do, try doing 15 minutes, taking a break, then doing the remaining 15 minutes. Note how your feel before, during, and after the break. Then share your experience in the comments below.