All work and no play makes us all duller and duller…
Anyone in the workforce knows this age-old proverb holds true. In the modern world, so many of us are kept at a relentless pace, so it’s not surprising when we feel burnt out and unproductive. We’re left laying on our beds, treating our headaches, riddled with guilt for the lack of progress we’re making during our time off.
Is it supposed to feel this way?
Are we really supposed to work harder every moment of the day, just to stay afloat?
What if the key to maintaining performance is hidden within our restful moments?
It’s hard to imagine that any productivity coach would tell us to take frequent breaks throughout the workday, but, in reality, these short moments of relief have been proven to boost productivity, creativity, and our overall well-being, both in and outside of the office. They’re called “micro-breaks,” and these brief pauses are intended to refresh our minds and bodies, leading to higher quality and more efficient work progress.
Some companies are adopting the art of taking micro-breaks, and they value the practice so highly that they’re creating rooms within the office dedicated to the little moments of stress relief. According to the Draugiem Group, the most productive employees worked for about 52 minutes, followed by a 17-minute break. This cycle feels natural; It aligns with our innate attention span, waning after an hour of focus.
Those who take these breaks seem to return to their tasks with a renewed sense of focus, energy, and concentration. In a study conducted by the University of Illinois, participants who took short breaks during a 50-minute task were able to maintain their performance levels far more consistently than those who worked endlessly. It’s like taking a cognitive reset to avoid all the mental fatigue that comes with our daily schedules.
You’ve probably noticed this already, but the better we treat our mental health, the stronger we feel physically, too. Sitting is like the new smoking—we do it constantly, and it can lead to musculoskeletal problems or even cardiovascular disease. These micro-breaks we take actually prevent this, especially if you stand up and move around during this time.
Here are a few ideas for how to spend your next work break:
- Take a short walk around the office or workspace, taking note of the environmental features you’ve never noticed before.
- Spend a few moments in creative focus, engaging in a quick art project or stimulating practice that allows you to step away mentally from the work you’re doing (we’ve got you covered here!)
- If possible, step outside for a few minutes to breathe in the fresh air and experience a change in scenery.
- If you can’t get away from your desk, take a few moments to practice mindfulness by engaging in deep breathing or meditation exercises straight from your office chair.
- Use your time to drink cold water or have a healthy snack, staying hydrated and nourished to elevate your cognitive functioning.
Don’t be afraid to use the short breaks you’re given to care for yourself. A workplace that doesn’t allow for this is likely unaware of the powerful impact that micro-breaks can have on your mind, body, and productivity levels. Refreshing yourself isn’t a waste of time—it’s a small investment in your long-term well-being.
Author
Rue Bodeep