There are times when we get so engrossed in our work that we forget about taking time out to recharge the batteries, no more so is this true when you are running a business. The last thing that I want to do is slow down because you just never know what the next email/letter/phone call may bring.
Having been diagnosed with accumulated stress disorder many years ago from not taking time out, I should be a big advocate of resting and recharging. I am not. Sometimes we just need to keep going and don't have time to rest. The secret is knowing when to slow and when to keep going.
After years of trial and error, I have worked out that when the corners of my eyes start to burn it is time to slow down for a day or two. Others I have talked with have a similar warning sign - a knot in the stomach, sore or tight shoulders, a heavy chest perhaps, or some other physiological sign.
For every negative psychological effect there is a physiological response. When we worry about something it will manifest in the body somewhere. Find what your indicator is and listen to it. If you can't find it then a good guide is to take one entire day off per week.