Periodization?

hey guys just wanted to hear you're thoughts on this subject?
I've been training solidly now for about 8 months with 1 week of cardio about 2 months ago which was for a little "break". I'm still gaining nicely but I've heard so much about periodization and taking breaks every few months, so naturally I got a little worried that a might be compromising future gains.
should I take a week off like most suggest or just switch up my routine a little?
what do you guys feel works best?

Different strokes for different folks. I personally believe in rest if your a big guy carrying a lot of muscle. If your a smaller individual it will take you years to get to the point where you'll need to take some time off. My 2c

I try too take a break every couple of months to rest the body. And when I hit the iron after the break i am motivated again. I feel this week's break is very important too anybody who does weight training.

MAX-OT advises the same thing ... 1 week break after every 8 weeks of training

I find its more for my mind that for my body... I am on lots of supps so I don't really get fatigue but my mind starts to not be as diciplined.

after a week break, sometimes I even extend it for 2 weeks but only if I am eating correctly... I come back and break new barries within the 3rd week back.

sweeeeeeeeeeeeet

If your over training over the long term then its important for your body to take the break.

But Mr. Pumper has a solid point. When I take a break and come back I hit the weights twice as hard, and it's purely a mental thing. Like anything you enjoy in life sometimes too much is too much.