Here’s some food for thought…
Did you know when you create too many things to do, you end up getting less done? Did you know that when you schedule your breaks it makes you more productive too?
Research shows that giving yourself time to do nothing and unwind simply allows you to get your work done faster. In other words, making sure you schedule your breaks into your workday is crucial for success and highly productive for your business.
Not only that, but breaks also provide many other benefits, including:
- They prevent burnout and ensure high productivity.
- They reduce stress and support creativity.
- They make it easier to put out quality and innovative work.
- They improve your mental health and happiness.
- They help creates proper work-life balance and a profitable business.
That’s a lot to put on a lowly 15-minute break from your desk!
But here’s the thing I’ve found… If you don’t schedule your breaks, you won’t take them!
I know for myself, when I get going on something I completely forget to take a break. I can sit for hours if I’m working on a design or building out a website. It’s gotten so bad for me that I don’t even feel the buzz on my fitbit that tells me when I’m supposed to get up and move around.
If you don’t add breaks to your schedule, you won’t take them, and it will only negatively affect your business plan.
Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when you schedule your breaks:
Tip #1 – Schedule Short 5 to 15 Minute Breaks
Give yourself a short break every 75 to 90 minutes, and don’t permit yourself to schedule over it.
Tip #2 – Use Your Microbreaks Wisely
Completely step away from your work during your breaks. Don’t use this time for anything but give your brain and body the time it needs to relax and recharge.
Tip #3 – Stick to The Scheduled Time
Don’t book job tasks over your scheduled breaks, and don’t let your breaks run overtime either. Stick to it and use this time for you only, and don’t feel guilty for it either.
Tip #4 – Taking Care of Yourself Also Takes Care of Your Business
There’s that self-care thing again! If you always feel bad about yourself or where you are in life, your feelings will affect your business negatively.
Tip #5 – Know the Difference Between a Distraction and a Break
They’re definitely two different things! Distractions waste your time and prevent you from achieving your goals. The point of a break is to unwind and feel refreshed and ready to get your work done.
In the end, breaks are beneficial to your productivity and success as a business as long as you actually schedule them and use them efficiently.
So tell me, what’s your favorite way to take a break? Hit reply and let me know!
And if you want to do a little more reading on the science of breaks here are a few articles for you:
The Importance of Taking Breaks (The Wellbeing Thesis)
Give Me a Break (American Psychological Association)
Research-Tested Benefits of Breaks (Edutopia.org)
The Science of Taking Breaks at Work to Help Boost Your Productivity (Medium)
