Increase your productivity: Take a break

Schedules have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Many of us are working from home for the first time. If you’re new to remote work or distance learning, you may feel guilty for taking a break. Relax! Experts advise taking regular breaks, no matter what task you’re working on to avoid burning yourself out. Keeping a balance of activity and rest helps keep you healthy, and believe it or not, more productive.

The benefits of taking a break

Maintaining a balance of activity and rest helps keep you healthy, and believe it or not, more productive. Taking a break:

• increases your productivity and accuracy
• improves your physical health
• gives you an energy boost
• decreases depression and “decision fatigue”
• increases motivation
• helps you see the big picture, what you’ve accomplished, and what still needs to get done.
• increases your creativity
•  improves learning by giving your brain a break helping form new memories and skills
• reduces restlessness and helps maintain boundaries between what’s work and what’s play.

When to take a break?

Experts differ on this. One study advises you take a 15 minute break after 90 minutes of work; another advises you take a 5 minute break after 25 minutes of work; a third advises 20 minutes of rest after 20 minutes of work. The important thing is to find a break schedule that fits for you. Do what works for you and the job at hand, but keep it structured. The benefit of a break comes from the fact that you have a sprint of undistracted, productive time, followed by free time to recharge.

Things to do during your break

• change rooms
• go for a walk
• have a healthy snack or beverage
• take a few deep breaths or meditate
• daydream
• create (journal, read, draw, do a craft)
• work on a completely different project that takes 15 minutes or less

Now, that you’ve relaxed by reading this blog, it’s time to get back to work!