Be Productive: Take Breaks At Work

There’s one thing about productivity and effectiveness most people get wrong…

It falls into the category of work smarter, not harder. But they work harder, not smarter.

I used to just go, go, go during the day without taking breaks. At first, it was fine. But then……. it became an issue. My productivity dwindled. My focus was harder to keep for long periods of time. And I felt like I wasn’t being my best self.

So I forced myself to take breaks. When I worked in an office, I would take walking breaks around the block. Even if it’s a five-minute walk — even a walk around the office floor — make sure you are taking technology-free breaks.

Yes, tech-free! That means don’t go check your Facebook or Instagram. Unless you’re hoping for bad eyes when you get older, this time away from technology and screens will truly help you.

And when you get back from your break, your eyes, mind, and ability to focus will be refreshed.

And, hey, you can use this time to get in some exercise in addition to a walk. Use your office chair to do tricep dips (careful if you have a rolling chair!) or squats. Stand up and do arm cirls — 30 seconds each way.

Get your body (and mind) moving and you’ll find you’re more productive AND effective in your work and ideas.

So, what work-break time table works best?

That’s up to you. Here are two common time tables you can try:

• Work for 30–40 minutes, take a 5-minute break
• Work for 50 minutes, take a 10-minute break

Don’t just plan to take breaks, actually take them! It’s easy to lose track of time when you are working. You can use your phone (don’t check it every 5 seconds, though!) and do a count down timer, or reminders in your calendar if you can plan ahead.

What other work-break systems work for you?