|
Written by: Shannon Marshburn  I’ve never been one to stop working until my task is complete because before I know it something else is popping up on my calendar and I am needed elsewhere. I like to “grind it out” and work through my task list, but I am now learning a new way to be productive with less stress, more energy, focus, and creativity all while working just a little bit less; and that new skill is to take breaks. Energize and focus One of the reasons why taking breaks can be so effective is because the brain is not designed to sustain attention for long periods of time. When you're working on complex tasks, your brain can become fatigued, leading to decreased focus and productivity. By taking a short break, you give your brain a chance to rest and recover, allowing you to return to your work with renewed energy and focus. According to the "Ultradian Rhythm," our brain can only focus for a maximum of 90 minutes before it needs a break. After that, productivity and performance can decline, and taking a short break can help to reset the brain and improve focus and energy. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/ultradian-rhythm Stress less Short breaks can be helpful by reducing stress levels. When we're working for long periods without a break, we can start to feel overwhelmed and stressed. By taking a few minutes to step away from our work, we can help reduce these feelings of stress and anxiety, allowing us to return to our work feeling more relaxed and less likely to feel burnt out. One study found that taking short breaks in nature can be particularly beneficial for reducing stress levels. The study found that those who took short walks in a park during their lunch break versus others who stayed in an urban outdoor or indoor setting reported lower levels of stress and greater feelings of well-being. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5981243/ What is a good brain break? These helpful breaks should be short and between 5-15 minutes, just a few times a day if your schedule allows. Do what you think is most helpful to you in this time, it could include going for a short walk, doing some stretching exercises, or just stepping away from your desk. Personally, I like to get a change of scenery and get out of my office/workspace and move around to see something different. Taking breaks should not be seen as slacking off or wasting time. They are an essential part of a productive workday, helping to recharge your brain and improve your overall performance and there is plenty of research that shows the proof. So, the next time you find yourself struggling to stay on task, consider taking a short break. Whether you're taking a short walk outside, chatting with a colleague, or just stepping away from your desk for a few minutes, incorporating short breaks into your workday can help you stay focused, energized, and productive. Your brain (and your productivity) will thank you for it!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
RSS Feed