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Picture this: You are sitting at your desk doing work, and suddenly your mind shuts off completely, and you end up not being able to continue.
That, right there, is an indication that you need a break.
Doing a task for hours and hours can be extremely stressful and draining. Taking breaks is needed in order for our bodies to recharge and come back more productive, so they are extremely important.
There are so many different ways to take breaks, but some may not be as effective as others. So, let’s discuss them!
Taking Naps
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Some may see this as a sign of ‘laziness’, but in fact, it is one of the most effective breaks to take. The key to having a power nap is that you should not nap for too long.
Ideally, a power nap should last from 10 to 20 minutes, not longer or shorter. It is also not recommended to nap after 3 p.m., as it interferes with your sleep at night.
Make sure that when you want to power nap, try to find a darker and quieter place to do so. You should also set a timer for a maximum of 25 minutes, since you still need time to fall asleep.
After having a power nap, you will find yourself waking up feeling refreshed and may even have new, creative ideas to add on to your work. So, don’t feel hesitant to take a power nap when you feel your brain needs it!
Moving
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It’s harmful to our bodies if we sit down or stay in the same position for a prolonged period, so it’s good to move around and get our blood flowing.
From taking a short walk, to running, to just basic stretching, there are so many activities that you can do which involve actively using your body.
You will notice your mood improving and your energy increasing, which leads to a clearer mind to continue your work.
All in all, moving your body is a very effective way to take a break. You’re giving your mind a chance to slow down and relax, while strengthening your muscles at the same time!
Talking to Others
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Working by yourself can feel lonely, so why not connect and talk to others?
This could mean physically chatting with family members, friends, and co-workers or simply texting or calling them. When I get stressed or lonely, I will always have a group call with my friends, and it has been helping me till now.
This type of break can help you relieve stress, boost your mood, and may even give you new inspiration or ideas. Not only that, you also get to strengthen the bonds you have with others and create new memories together.
Having social breaks is not only effective in increasing productivity, but also improves our mental and emotional health by forming social connections
However, if you feel that this may make you more drained instead (don’t worry introverts, we got you), you may try out other options below.
Browsing Social Media
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I know a LOT of us tend to turn to our phones and other devices as a form of taking a break.
With that being said, it is okay to browse social media as a form of break as long as you manage it well.
You’re free to entertain yourself and wake your brain up with posts and videos, but it is always important to set a limit for everything you consume.
However, browsing social media does not prove to be as effective. It’s best to avoid highly addictive and stimulating activities, as they will just cause your brain to tire even more.
Just mindlessly scrolling through social media will cause our minds to become very foggy, and platforms such as Tik Tok feed us so many videos in a short amount of time, which decreases our overall attention span.
Snacking
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As for food, how effective it is completely depends on what type of food you choose to consume.
Choosing foods rich in carbohydrates and sugar will have a harmful effect on your body, as they mostly provide energy that is short-lived.
They will even make you feel more tired and less alert after a period of time. Therefore, you should try to avoid foods such as chips, fries, sweets, popcorn, cookies, etcetera.
Instead, start consuming more foods such as fruits, nuts, dark chocolate, eggs (the best would be hard-boiled), yoghurt bowls, etcetera.
These options are not only delicious, but they are also healthier and more refreshing. They will help you last longer throughout the day and also provide a lot of nutrients to your body.
Conclusion
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In this fast paced society of constant working and working, taking breaks can be seen as ‘lazy’ and ‘unproductive’.
However, as mentioned before, they enable us to be more productive when done correctly, as we get to do more in less time, which results in a better performance at what we are doing.
The ones we have discussed in this blog are just a few of the numerous different breaks. Therefore, do explore other options as well, and ultimately, it is up to you how you wish to take a break!
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