Working Wonders [Paperback]

James Joseph (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

Human beings aren't meant to sit at a desk for hours at a stretch-that's why the coffee break was invented. But there are better ways to use your breaks. This book features quick, simple techniques that let you awaken the senses, build skills, soothe stress, get physical, and more...sometimes in just a few seconds. It's the next best thing to a vacation! Using everything from aromatherapy and aerobics to music and mental workouts, these 60 breaks can work wonders-rejuvenating body, mind, and spirit so you can return to work refreshed and ready to accomplish great things.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This odd little book contains exactly what it claims: things to do when you're taking a break at work. James Joseph asserts that when you break with a purpose in mind instead of stepping out for another caffeine jolt, taking frequent interludes will allow you to get more done. It eases the fatigue and boredom that can build up during the course of a day. The suggestions range from the remarkably simple--get a drink of water to stave off dehydration; gaze out the window to get some sun--to the remarkably deep, such as pondering your philosophy of life. Joseph also gives bite-size bits of meditation, right-brain thinking, and affirmations and visualization, and makes them sound so quick and easy that you may wonder why you weren't doing yogic breathing in your cubicle before.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425160033
• ISBN-13: 978-0425160039
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,291,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Learn The Art of Taking a Break from this great book!, July 20, 2006

By 

Lee Say Keng "KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURER/TECHNOLOGY... (Ho Chi Minh City/Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Working Wonders (Paperback)

This book is dedicated by the author to the millions of people sitting at their desks in desparate need of a break.

Good breaks are empowering. According to this book, you will know them because they yield at least one, & generally more, of the following:

- deep relaxation;
- greater concentration;
- enhanced creativity;
- replensihed motivation;
- sharper memory;
- higher energy;
- consolidation of information;
- new information or new skills;
- better sex life;
- elevation in consciousness;
- physical conditioning;
- improved health;

This book has 60 quick break techniques. I have tried all (& adapted some) of them over the years.

I fully concur with the author. Human beings are not built to sit at a desk for hours at a stretch. Our bodies are designed to move.

There are a few small breaks which have since become my daily rituals till today:

- drink water;
- breathe deeply;
- give my eyes a rest;
- see more with soft focus (I play with random dot stereograms!);
- read rapidly;
- gaze out of the window;
- listen to music;
- use mindmaps &/or doodle;
- relax all my muscles;
- stretch often;
- improve my sitting posture;
- climb stairs;
- play with a toy;
- do cross crawls;

As the book says, whether relaxing or reviving, the 60 brilliant breaks are the next best thing to taking a vacation - bringing you back to work feeling like you've come back to life!

In summing up, this has been a great book. High recommended for al busy professionals!