Remember all that talk you’ve heard about optimal work times, and the need to take breaks every once in a while to keep your productivity up? Did you ever stop to figure out just what those breaks should look like?
The problem with being told to take a break, is we’re not very good at shutting things down for a few minutes. To some people, a break might look like having lunch…at their desk. Or a quick look around the room before getting back to it. But are those really breaks?
A true break should involve a ‘break’ in your concentration, to get your mind off your work. Some ideas?
Walking around the building or block
Stepping outside for a breath of fresh air
Meditating for a few minutes—all you need is to close your eyes and focus on your breathing
Getting up to grab a drink of water or coffee
Whatever you do, the goal is to feel refreshed and ready to work again once you are back to your desk.