When you feel that you have too much to do, it is easy to convince yourself that you do not have the time to take breaks. Those e-mails are not going to answer themselves, are they? And the deadlines you have are getting frighteningly close. So you just keep banging away until everything is finished…
Research has found that taking a break can be very beneficial for you and your work. Micro-breaks, lunchtime breaks and longer breaks, have all been shown to have a positive relationship with wellbeing and productivity. By taking regular breaks you can boost your performance.
5 tips to rebuild your energy
When you get lost in your work or feel frustrated that something isn’t going well, you can neglect breaks. Here are some tips to prompt you to regularly step away:
1. Create “together”-moments
Moments together are great for disconnecting from work and good for the atmosphere. And they encourage you not to skip the break. Encourage each other to have breakfast or lunch together once or twice a week. Agree break times with your peers and help each other to stick to the break time you’ve agreed.
2. Set an alarm on your phone to prompt you.
3. Plan to do something in your break that you enjoy – the anticipation of pleasure will motivate you to keep to the break.
4. Leave your phone in your bag, or on your desk.
Short breaks are only effective if they give you the chance to switch off completely. And that does not include a phone or a newspaper. Even if the activity is not work-related, it can only make you more tired. This is probably because reading a website or replying to a message requires many of the same mental processes as when we work. What can you do better? Chatting with colleagues, or just daydreaming.
5. Exercise
Exercise during your (longer) break gives you a boost. Take a walk outside with your colleagues or go running or swimming during the lunch break.
