Taking Breaks Makes You More Productive

For many of us, our work environment and expectations have changed tremendously. Huge leaps in technology have made some aspects of our work more efficient, yet those same advances keep us plugged into our work 24/7/365. The pandemic accelerated a trend toward remote work environments, and video conferencing technology made it commonplace to have more meetings regardless of the attendees’ location. In fact, it has become “normal” for people to pull off the road during travel to take a voice or video meeting. With endless task lists, project plans, and around-the-clock connectivity, how do we get more done? The surprising solution may be to take more breaks from your work. The truth is that taking breaks makes you more productive, creative, and effective.

The Importance of Breaks

Breaks are essential for maintaining optimal cognitive function and preventing burnout. Our brains are not designed to focus intensely for extended periods without rest. Research has shown that prolonged periods of continuous work can lead to diminished concentration, creativity, and productivity. On the other hand, taking regular breaks allows our brains to recharge and reset, enabling us to return to tasks with renewed energy and focus. Once you understand this premise, it’s easy to see why taking breaks makes you more productive and should be a priority during busy workdays.

Have you ever become exasperated from not being able to find something? Perhaps you’ve hunted everywhere for your keys–checking every location once, twice, or even a third time? Then, once you stop looking and go onto something else, you either “magically” remember where you left them, or you find them sitting right on the counter. That same thing happens to our brains when we are intensely focused on a work project. Taking a break and walking away from the work will help you return to it with better memory, more creativity, and enhanced problem-solving skills.

Breaks also help prevent decision fatigue, which occurs when our mental resources become depleted from making too many decisions in a short period. By stepping away from our work and giving our minds a chance to rest, we can replenish our cognitive resources and approach subsequent tasks with greater clarity and efficiency.

Moreover, breaks are not only beneficial for our productivity but also for our overall well-being. Studies have shown that taking breaks throughout the day can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall job satisfaction. By giving ourselves permission to step away from our work, even for just a few minutes, we can alleviate the mental and physical strain that accumulates over time. And when you enjoy what you’re doing, you are more likely to achieve a state of flow, and produce higher quality of work in a shorter period of time.

Tips for Effective Breaks

While taking breaks is essential, not all breaks are created equal. To optimize this concept of how taking breaks makes you more productive, there are some best practices you can put into place when taking them:

1. Duration: Aim for short, frequent breaks throughout the day rather than one long break. Remember recess in grade school? Turns out they were onto something important. Research suggests that the optimal length for a break is around 5-15 minutes every hour. This allows for sufficient rest without disrupting workflow.

2. Physical Activity: Use your breaks as an opportunity to move your body. Whether it’s taking a short walk, stretching, or doing some light exercise, physical activity can help increase blood flow to the brain, improve mood, and boost energy levels.

3. Disconnect: Resist the temptation to check your email or social media during your breaks. Instead, use this time to engage in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as listening to music, meditating, or practicing deep breathing exercises.

4. Nature Breaks: If possible, spend your breaks in nature. Research has shown that spending time in natural environments can have a rejuvenating effect on the mind and body, reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function.

5. Social Interaction: Use your breaks as an opportunity to connect with others. Whether it’s chatting with a colleague, calling a friend, or spending time with family, social interaction can help alleviate feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging.

6. Mindful Eating: If you’re taking a break to eat, practice mindful eating. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations of each bite, and savor the experience without distractions. And certainly, don’t check your work emails on your phone as you’re sitting down to eat your lunch.

If taking breaks makes you more productive, what other changes can improve our lives?

Taking breaks is not a luxury; it is a necessity for maintaining productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. By incorporating regular breaks into your daily routine and following these tips for effective downtime, you can optimize your performance and achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life. So the next time you feel tempted to power through without pause, remember that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to take a break.

At Earth and Soul Adventures, we help our clients lead more fulfilling lives. From helping them make changes in their daily lives to better align with their purpose and goals to taking them out of their environments and comfort zones in transformative travel experiences, we guide them toward leading their best lives. Contact us today, and let’s see what’s possible for you.