Want to Increase your Productivity and Performance? Take Regular Breaks

Breaks are as important as work itself. Studies have been done to prove that hitting the pause button has benefits to productivity at work. In this blog, we will explore why breaks are important, effective breaks and much more.

First, let us demystify the ‘Break’. Breaks are not a sign of laziness; they are part and parcel of the workday. In some companies, taking a break is a taboo and for some individuals, working nonstop is the only thing they know. However, working nonstop may cause decision fatigue, lack of focus and eye damage. This is why it is important to hit pause.

1. Better decision making

When you on break, the brain uses the downtime to make connections that shape our identity and social behaviour. These two key things and information help us make decisions. Work requires us to make decisions constantly and this wears us down. In order to keep the mind fresh to continue making more decisions.

2. Boost your Creativity

Think of creativity like building a house from LEGO blocks. Taking a break helps you join blocks you would not imagine connecting. When one experiences mind block, it is important to take a break to allow the mind to explore new possibilities. A little rest is all you need to see things from a different perspective.

3. Keep Focused for Longer Periods of Time

It is difficult to stay focused for extend periods. The human brain can stay focused for up to 45 minutes. At this point, it is good to take a short break to relax the brain before engaging it again. You do not need to get up or leave your workstation, a simple stretch or look out the window is enough.

4. Re-Allign to Your Goal

When on break, the brain uses downtime to review and store new information. It is better to power through 40 minutes to an hour and then take a short a short break before continuing with your work. Rather than working for 30 minutes and taking 45-minute breaks. Remember, you need to maintain a steady momentum once you tune your mind toward a specific goal.

5. Motivation

Breaks help us get back to work with new vigour. During breaks the prefrontal cortex, which is the part of the brain responsible for cognitive behaviour and decision-making, gets a respite. This allows us to resume work ready for more.

6. Physical and Emotional Health

Walking and socialising among other things are important to our health. Serotonin, the happy chemical, released when we engage positively with others or even take short walks is vital to our health and wellbeing.

7. Rewards

Break time is an important time to celebrate progress. This also boosts motivation and helps keep morale and productivity up. Plan to reward yourself for completing tasks, for example take a healthy snack during your break, or drink glass of wine at the end day if you complete all your tasks.

8. Spend Time with Family

Scheduling your breaks is a great way to ensure that you spend time with your family. You can use this time to play with your children, check and help them with their schoolwork or have a conversation with your spouse. You will find that these short engagements inspire and give you energy to complete your tasks.

For Effective Breaks, Ensure to Plan

- As you plan for your work hours, factor in times for short breaks and one long break, which is usually lunchtime. During this time you can plan to take coffee, read a book, take a walk, workout, socialise the activities numerous. Do not stray too far from your workstation.
- Keep a consistent schedule through the week, avoid switching your break times and prolonging the short breaks. This can lead to a dip in productivity, distractions and disrupting the work system that was set. In the long run, these changes will affect your output and productivity.
- Accept that breaks are beneficial. If you get guilty while on break, it will be difficult to receive the benefits of the break. You will also be exhausted by early afternoon and not able to complete all your key tasks at a high level of execution.
- Know what fills your tank and involve yourself in these activities during your break. For some a quick and disciplined tour of social media would help, while for others a call to family.

Author: Stawi Comms.

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Want to Increase your Productivity and Performance? Take Regular Breaks

Author: Stawi Comms.

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