{"id":30423,"date":"2020-04-23T12:00:02","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T10:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/?p=30423"},"modified":"2020-04-23T12:00:02","modified_gmt":"2020-04-23T10:00:02","slug":"take-a-break","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/blog\/take-a-break\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Should Take A Break From Work & Do Nothing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whenever we fall into a productive period (like some of us probably did a couple of weeks ago when the world basically went on lockdown<\/a>), it\u2019s easy to go beast-mode and pretend you can power through everything, no sweat<\/a>. Breaks? What breaks? We\u2019re not amateurs, we do great without them. They\u2019re a waste of our precious time anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, are they? Or are they an essential part of living an active life full of day-to-day tasks? In this article, I\u2019ll show you why you should kick back every once a while<\/strong> (how often? I\u2019ll highlight some of the theories as well) and prove it\u2019ll actually do you good. It may even save some time in the long run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The No-Break, No-Fail Plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To-do lists are definitely one of the most basic (and the best!) tools for productivity. Writing down a bunch of tasks to conquer, then nailing them one by one – is there anything easier than this?! We often push our lists to the limits, and I\u2019m not speaking about the physical limit of a piece of paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m not saying you should procrastinate and shy away from tackling important stuff that\u2019s been long overdue (there\u2019ll never be a good time for filing your tax, trust me on this). But cramming ten projects into one day may be a little bit too much, even if you\u2019re excited about it at first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Don't<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been there too. Achieving so much so quickly actually felt good for a day or two (I\u2019m this kind of person who gets ecstatic over an emptied bottle of milk, let alone a task crossed off the list). Then I started suffocating. Looking at my to-dos felt overwhelming, and I felt like I can\u2019t sit down for a second because I\u2019ll waste my precious time<\/strong>. On the other hand, though, when I\u2019d go ahead with one task, I couldn\u2019t concentrate on anything. I needed a break, yet I felt so lame for craving one. Sounds familiar?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go Ahead, Take That Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our brains are unable to work at the highest capacity for longer periods. Actually, they can\u2019t stay focused for more than an average of between 15 and 40 minutes! After our attention span passes, distractions become harder to ignore<\/strong>, and our motivation goes down the drain<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Studies show<\/a> that our bodies function within a natural rhythm. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve heard about sleep patterns, periods of a deep sleep, etc., but do you know that this concerns the day as well? Our energy level varies throughout the day, and it has little to do with how well you\u2019ve slept or how tiring activities you\u2019ve performed before. In the morning, our brain demands sleep every 90 minutes. Trying to push past this plateau will only result in lower concentration and longer reaction time – you can even experience microsleeps<\/a> (very short periods, up to 10 seconds, when your brain acts like it\u2019s asleep). That\u2019s why taking a 15-minute break at least every 1,5 hour is vital<\/strong> (some will tell you it\u2019s best to take a power nap at this point, but let\u2019s not go this far).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A moment of relaxation does wonders for your brain but also relieves your eyes and muscles<\/a> (remember to get up & away from your monitor!). For those of you who need to make quite a few decisions throughout the day, loosening up for a second can be a potent cure for that decision fatigue<\/a> and keep your motivation up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Break A Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A ton of people believes that taking a short break makes them look lazy. After all, \u2018doing nothing\u2019 is taboo in most workplaces<\/a>. But what if I told you you\u2019re not actually doing \u2018nothing\u2019?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are multiple metaphors for how the brain behaves when you exercise it, but I\u2019ll stick with the rubber band one. If you use a rubber band for a long time, it stretches up to a point when it\u2019s hardly even usable and can easily break. But if you put it away for some time, it should come back to its original shape, ready for the next time you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your brain is pretty much like that rubber band<\/strong>. It needs a refresh every once in a while, so without going into details: you need rest in the same way you need a shower to stay fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking a break doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re doing nothing. You\u2019re refreshing your brain so it could function better, and that\u2019s definitely not \u2018nothing.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Infamous Coffee Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every training or conference you attended had coffee breaks, hadn\u2019t it? Have you ever wondered why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Sip<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Well, yes, it\u2019s there so you could have coffee (duh), stretch your legs a bit and use the restroom (and officially catch up on social media). But its primary goal is to consolidate what you\u2019ve learned<\/strong> and boost memory formation<\/a>. Of course, this works best when you\u2019re asleep, but scientists have proved that a simple short break from studying is enough for your brain to process the new information and find a space to store it. If you\u2019ve ever had someone advise you not to pull an all-nighter before an exam, now you know what they meant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While this concerns training and learning sessions mostly, you still may experience tiny studying sessions during your day-to-day work. Taking extra time to store the new information properly will not only help you process it but also save you the time of reading through the same instruction the next day because you don\u2019t remember it at all!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working Hard or Hardly Working?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The same goes for the lunch break you\u2019ve probably been ignoring for months. Chaining yourself to a desk for multiple hours and washing down your sad, cold lunch hits close to home, doesn\u2019t it? It\u2019s easy to sacrifice this part of the day for the greater good of nailing that presentation or polishing up that long email to your most important client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, it\u2019s a recipe for disaster. On top of that fast concentration drop and multiple health risks, ditching breaks means you\u2019re more likely to get chronically stressed and, as a result, suffer from job burnout<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I have to say that it\u2019s the classic case of easier said than done. Nearly 20% of US workers worry about being judged for not working hard enough if they take their lunch break.<\/a><\/strong> Surprisingly, a very similar percentage of bosses admit that they perceive their team members as less hardworking if they take regular lunch breaks. The modern world doesn\u2019t encourage us to kick back even for a second, let alone going out to get lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, this is also a shoutout to all the leaders: send your employees on lunch breaks<\/strong>. Force them if needed. We need to turn that mindset of \u2018stick at your desk where you can be seen\u2019 around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For The Last Time: You\u2019re Not Lazy For Taking A Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you just pat yourself on the back because you took your lunch break today? Congrats. But do you go on any other breaks?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I sense that you\u2019re silent. Apparently, only 1 in 4 people<\/a> take other breaks during the day! I can\u2019t blame them – if one in five bosses see taking a breather as a risk, you certainly don\u2019t want to fall into their disfavor. On the other hand, I\u2019ve already mentioned that breaks are in fact crucial when it comes to your health<\/strong>. Taking care of your body, especially the spine and the eyes, may not sound like a priority right now, but it\u2019ll make all the difference in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, another shoutout to all the managers and decision-makers: promote breaks<\/strong>. Encourage your teams to get up from their desks and make sure they know you\u2019re okay with it. Staring at them while they lounge on a couch or coming up to them to discuss something work-related may not be the best idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, But What Exactly Is A \u2018Break\u2019?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s okay, don\u2019t feel bad for asking. After all, there is a break, and then there is a break<\/em>. (I feel like it\u2019s something Ross Geller would say.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"If<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Scientists would argue over the precise nature of an ideal break, but one is for sure: if you\u2019re still working, it\u2019s not a break<\/strong>. You may feel tempted to tackle the less-demanding tasks of your workday, such as sorting through papers or decluttering your inbox, but that\u2019s not the right way to relax. Make sure you\u2019re staying as far away from work as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can you check the Internet for private stuff? Sure, if you feel like it\u2019s a break for you, go for it. But a South Korean study proves<\/a> that the best kind of break is a tech-free one. Going out for a walk, reading a newspaper, or doing a couple of pushups are said to increase vigor<\/strong> and reduce emotional exhaustion<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow Yourself To Do Nothing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Did you just go back to your busy schedule and did some magic to squeeze in some breaks? Great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you just come back from this scheduled break only to find yourself struggling again? Is your creativity, like, level zero right now? Good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why, apart from taking a break, sometimes you need to be bored as well<\/strong>. Can you get bored in 15 minutes? I can\u2019t. If I scheduled a short break for myself, I\u2019d find plenty of little tasks to do. I\u2019d probably even be surprised that this time has passed so quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Necessity is the mother of invention, some might say, but boredom is its father. If you\u2019ve ever scratched your head for hours<\/strong>, looking for a solution to a complex problem, then had an \u201caha!\u201d moment in the middle of lounging around in your PJs<\/strong> on a Saturday, you know what I\u2019m talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ask<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So, Cut Yourself Some Slack<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I hope I\u2019ve at least inspired you to think about your day and your goals. Big changes usually take some time, so don\u2019t feel bad if you can\u2019t jump from 24 hours on the clock to being crowned the king of slackers. Start by implementing small, healthy habits<\/strong> (like actually taking that lunch break and stepping away from your monitor).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel like you need assistance, try using your calendar to schedule work-free times and set up a reminder so you will really go on that break! Alternatively, find a colleague you\u2019d like to spend more time with<\/strong> and set up an appointment with them. Just make sure it\u2019s not about work. Try to stay away from office gossip, discussing strategies, preparing for the conference call, etc. Let your mind relax<\/strong> instead, and get to know your work buddies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaks are not for amateurs and are definitely not a waste of time. It may sound unproductive to kick back for a while, but it makes the brain more efficient in the long run!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It’s time to put that remorse to an end. Taking a break is not a weakness, it’s a part of being human.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":30460,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[92],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30423"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30423"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30423\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30460"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpkraken.io\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}