Have Need a Break? Here’s Why It’s OK to Take Breaks During the Workday

09.02.2019

Take a break

Give yourself permission to take breaks throughout each workday. Although your schedule is probably packed, you cannot sustain an endless number of tasks without letting your brain rest in between.

Here are four benefits of taking breaks:

Remain Focused

Even if you’re in the zone while working on a task or project, not taking a break can cause irritability. Your brain wasn’t designed for extended focus. Because brains evolved to remain vigilant at all times to detect changes and ensure survival, focusing on one thing for an extended period isn’t something your brain is able to do. You need a brief interruption to get back on track.

Retain Information

Your brain has two modes: the focused mode, which you use when you’re learning something new, writing, working or participating in another activity; and diffuse mode, which you use when you’re more relaxed, daydreaming and not thinking so hard. Diffuse mode plays a big part in productivity because it causes activity in many brain regions to increase. This is why you’re able to solve problems while daydreaming. The relaxation that comes while daydreaming lets your brain return valuable insights. When you’re focusing, you block access to your diffuse mode, which is needed to solve a problem.

Reevaluate Goals

Taking breaks lets you step back and ensure you’re accomplishing the right things in the right way. When you continuously work on a task, it’s easy to lose focus and get lost. After taking a break, you’re better able to think about what you’re ultimately trying to achieve. This practice helps you stay mindful of your objectives.

Refuel

Eat a healthy lunch or snack to nourish your body, keep your blood pumping and your mind working. Read a novel to understand people better, empathize and see the world from their perspective. Grab a coffee to awaken your brain. Doodle to stimulate new ideas. Look at baby animal pictures to improve focus. Listen to music to improve your motor and reasoning skills. Take a 10-minute nap to improve cognitive function and decrease fatigue. Exercise to gain energy and focus. Talk with friends and co-workers to reduce stress and increase productivity. Meditate to relax your brain. Take a walk outside to strengthen your immune system.

Take Breaks

Although taking breaks may seem counterproductive, it’s exactly what you need to get more done. Your brain needs to rest when working on complex tasks, so you can come back refreshed and ready to go. Be sure you take breaks throughout each day to get more done in less time.