Give Me A Break!
Taking breaks or regular rests is often seen as a luxury, rather than a necessity. Research shows, though, that strategic breaks in your workday can significantly enhance productivity, creativity, and wellbeing. Here’s 5 facts on taking rests!
Understand the Science: Our brains have a limited capacity for sustained focus. Ultradian Rhythm research suggests that our bodies operate in 90- to 120-minute periods of alertness, followed by a need for rest. Don’t fight it! Align your breaks with this rhythm and optimise cognitive performance.
Foster Productivity: Breaks aren’t distractions. They’re strategic; enhancing productivity, warding off burnout, maintaining focus and mitigating the negative effects of prolonged sitting - not to mention allowing for crucial ‘percolation’ time, when the brain can get to work behind the scenes.
Embrace Micro-Breaks: Micro-breaks of only a few minutes can be a game-changer. Stretching, deep breathing, or a quick stroll are all small interventions that re-energise the mind and improve concentration. Change focal length if you work with screens, too: staring into the distance is good for you!
Unplug and Recharge: In an era of constant digital connectivity, it’s hard to switch off. Give your brain a little break from dopamine production, though, and get into nature, try yoga or meditation, spend time on a hobby - the key is to unhook yourself from tech. You’ll soon find out how addicted you are.
Get Social: Connect with others and try to learn from them and ‘get out of yourself’. When you get into a ‘divergent thinking’ mindset of imagination and playful creation, you’ll step away from the default of ‘convergent thinking’ and a solutions-focused, ‘one answer’ mindset. Refreshing!
Do you have any tips to maximise the benefit of breaks? Share them below!