What are the benefits of taking regular breaks during your workday?

One benefit of taking breaks is that it allows your mind to switch off the previous task and, then, after the break, connect to the new topic. You will benefit of more effectively accomplishing each of your tasks by doing so, and feel more satisfaction at the end of the day. A second very strong argument to taking breaks - especially between meetings - is to not carry the emotion/energy of a meeting to the next one. If, for example, you have a tough performance discussion with a team member and then you jump directly into a meeting where your role is that of a mentor, there is a high risk to carry toughts, feelings and energy from one meeting to another. This will have a negative impact on your behavior and results of the second meeting.

Breaks are essential. At the same time, let us not lose sight of the value of getting into a flow state while doing your work. Flow state is that sense of fluidity between your mind and body, where you are fully absorbed by and deeply focused on something. Flow state doesn't drain you the same way pushing through a bunch of work and multi-tasking does, plus it actually feels good. This is important because flow state offers many benefits towards your wellbeing. Some of these benefits include: heavy sense of concentration, absolute clarity, happiness, increased creativity, and much more. The compounding value of achieving a flow state in your work to taking quality breaks can be a cheat code to improving overall wellbeing.

To reduce cognitive load. Our brains can only take so much after long periods of work. Breaks don't necessarily mean extended periods of being away from work. A mere act of going and making coffee counts as a healthy break that eliminates cognitive fog. When we take breaks, our brains activate the "Default Mode Network," associated with daydreaming and free association. This network fosters creative thinking and allows us to approach problems from new angles.

Working continuously for extended periods can lead to burnout, decreased attentiveness, and slow reflexes. It's essential to recognize that productivity isn't solely about the number of hours logged but also about efficiency and contribution, both of which suffer without regular breaks. Prioritizing breaks allows for refreshing you mind, stretching your limbs and coming back fresh. It's a proactive investment in both personal health and professional effectiveness.

Taking regular breaks is essential for body, mind and spirit. One must stand up, have a stroll around the office or (better) outside, enjoy a glass of water or have a short chat with colleagues. It may also be appropriate to go to the nearby shop and buy things from home. In this way you can realign your spine, move your body, refresh your mind and come back in good spirits and with creative ideas.

Totally agree Tyler - Strategic breaks throughout the day are key to good energy management. Putting a stretch break every 30/40 minutes and going for a walk every 90 minutes increases your blood circulation bringing much needed oxygen to the brain, helping you feel energised and alive snd ready to take on the day! 😁👍💪💪

> Breaks refresh your mind, allowing you to return to tasks with renewed focus and a spark of fresh ideas. > Stepping away from work reduces stress, improves mood, and combats fatigue, leading to higher energy levels. > Short breaks prevent burnout and eye strain, ultimately enhancing your ability to produce high-quality work.

There is an excellent Huberman Lab podcast episode on focus and productivity, and he speaks about our brains maximum capacity to be in a deep state of focus (it's 90 minutes, and that takes time to achieve). There are ultradian cycles, showing if we give our brain intentional de-focused time for 20ish minutes between those spurts of deep focused time, we will be much more efficient and productive. Organizations can keep this in mind and when possible, avoid back to back to back meetings to facilitate these needed breaks.

You're physically away from your desk and mentally away from work, that's when you make the most amount of progress. You may even get a breakthrough. That's why people get great ideas in the shower, because their brain is in a completely different space.

Exactly... block out your time effectively. These next 10 minutes you're going to meditate. 5 minutes at the end of your lunch break you're listening to music,etc. All these things make for effective breaks.

Short regular movement breaks have been shown to significantly improve physical and mental health as well as focus and concentration. The importance of taking short, regular movement breaks cannot be understated. The World Health Organizations #1 piece of advice for increasing activity levels amongst adults is simply to "Move more, Sit less!".

For effective breaks: Plan Ahead: Schedule breaks regularly, aiming for 5-10 minutes per hour or 15-20 minutes every two hours. Relaxing Activities: Choose calming activities like stretching, meditating, reading, or chatting with a colleague. Minimize Distractions: Turn off notifications and find a quiet space. Stay Present: Be mindful during your break, focusing on the moment. Practice Positivity: Use your break for gratitude and self-care, avoiding work-related worries. Leverage tools like OOt's Connections and Me Moments for enhanced relaxation and meaningful breaks.

In more hybrid or remote working times, taking breaks become challenging for many professionals. Some things I have seen working - Blocking time and sticking to it. - Not getting carried away with all other tasks while at break - Move, stretch, Shake .. every thing counts - Scheduled walk with your neighbours, spouses, pets - Have some micro, mini goals for your logical breaks Being conscious of time either at work or at break goes a long way

One important aspect to consider is listening to your body. When you start shifting in your chair or feel a bit of ache or pain, it's a signal to take a stretching break. If you find yourself unable to focus on your task, that's the moment to step away and clear your mind. Similarly, when you feel unproductive, it's time to take a break and recharge.

For many, it is a mindset shift. No manager would raise an eyebrow if someone stepped out to go to the toilet (if they did, not many team members would stay!), but the concept of taking a break from work can be a hard circle for some to square as they are rooted in an outdated, linear model of more time worked = more output. What they need to be shown is the boosts to output that can be achieved when incorporating a microbreak: 2 mins every 30 or 5 every 60 can be sufficient for meaningful benefits. This allows team members to refocus their energies to task and conduct "deep work" or achieve "flow state". Encourage resistant managers to try the concept for themselves and see if they reap the benefits.

It has to be a corporation already open to mindfulness and wellness. Most claim to be, you can push that to the test and say "if we are who we say we are, then a break to help with xyz will really help me go a long way."

Advocating for flexible work hours and regular breaks requires a clear and well-supported proposal. Highlighting the benefits of breaks, such as increased productivity and reduced stress, can strengthen your case. According to a FlexJobs survey, 80% of employees reported higher productivity and better work-life balance with flexible schedules. When negotiating, present data on how breaks can lead to better performance and provide examples of successful implementations in other organizations. Personally, discussing the positive impact of breaks on my productivity and well-being with my manager led to a more flexible and supportive work environment.

Employees have a right to request flexible working, if exercising in your lunch break with extra time will help you be more focused in the afternoon and to make up the time then it's a win-win for employers to accept!

Advocating for flexible work hours and regular breaks involves presenting the benefits of these practices to decision-makers within your organization. Prepare to discuss how flexibility in work hours and breaks can lead to higher productivity, fewer sick days, and greater employee satisfaction. Use evidence from credible sources that support these claims, and if possible, present data from within your organization that illustrates the positive impact of existing flexible scheduling. Be prepared to propose a trial period for new practices to allow your employer to see the benefits firsthand without making a long-term commitment initially.

Having breaks encouraged by the higher ups can help really build a top culture. In doing so you can remain elite talent and attract top talent as well. Encouraging people to step away when needed goes a long way.

Organize "walking meetings" or brainstorm sessions in nature. Host "gratitude circles" or mindfulness exercises to boost positivity. Offer bite-sized learning modules during breaks to keep employees engaged and develop new skills. Encourage "buddy walks" or team lunches to foster collaboration and combat loneliness. Designate break rooms with comfy seating, healthy snacks, and games to de-stress and recharge. Acknowledge and reward employees who consistently take breaks, promoting a culture of well-being.

When incorporating regular breaks into your workday, it's essential to ensure they are used effectively. Avoid activities that can lead to distractions, such as browsing social media or watching TV. Instead, focus on restorative activities that genuinely help you recharge. It's also crucial to communicate with your team and manager about the importance of breaks and encourage a culture that supports them. Regularly evaluating the impact of breaks on your productivity and well-being can help you adjust your routine for optimal results, fostering a healthier and more efficient work environment.

Employee wellbeing is different for everyone, so no one break activity or timing is best. Find out what works for you, or if you are a leader, ask what would best help employees recover during the day.

While taking breaks is crucial, it’s equally important to ensure that these breaks don’t disrupt your overall work performance. Structuring your day to include scheduled breaks can help maintain a balance between rest periods and productive work times. Consider using tools like time management apps to remind you to take breaks at regular intervals. Also, be mindful of the duration and activities chosen for breaks to ensure they genuinely contribute to your productivity and well-being. Finally, foster a workplace culture that values and respects breaks as essential to employee health and productivity, which can help in normalizing the practice and encouraging all employees to take adequate rest during the workday.