Last Updated on by Michael Brockbank
With the sheer amount of stuff I manage throughout the week, how do I keep focus on the days when I’m productive? After all, it’s not like I cover the same industry all day long. Well, I’m able to maintain a good workflow by taking a break.
Normally, I try to plan the week so that like-minded topics land on the same day. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work according to plan.
For instance, today I need to write content for CrossingColorado.com, plan out a post for WriterSanctuary.com, render a gaming video, and plan out WordPress tutorials. Every one of these things belongs to a specific niche or industry.
Ideally, I would like Tuesdays to be dedicated to CrossingColorado.com and focus on nothing but health and fitness all day. Until I can get a good groove going, though, it’s quite difficult.
Anyway, taking a break between projects helps me stay focused throughout the day regardless of what project I have going on.
How Taking a Break Helps Maintain Productivity
I know some people are still keen on multitasking. However, multitasking has been linked to reducing efficiency and performance. In fact, a lot of studies over the years have proven that trying to handle various tasks at once leads to a severe decrease in productivity.
Speaking from experience, I know that I am far more efficient if I tackle one project at a time. So, why do I take regular breaks throughout any given day?
Gives Me Time to Relax and Process the Previous Workload
For me, taking a moment or two helps me finalize the project in my mind that I just completed. It’s kind of like wiping a whiteboard clear after spending the last hour and a half covering it with notes and such.
It also lets me do a quick take on whether there is anything else I can add or if the project is truly complete.
This process usually only takes a few minutes of my break as the entire point is to flush what I’ve done and get ready for the next. Some of this comes down to trusting that I did the best I could and being ready to move on.
Gives Me Time to Plan the Next Steps
I do my best thinking while walking. Back when I was a smoker, I would walk around the building while processing what I need to do next. Nowadays, I pace the backyard, which has created what my kids call my “track.”
In any case, I often think about what needs to be done, how I can go about completing the next project, and what topics I want to cover.
Whether you’re a walker or simply want to relax in your favorite chair, taking a regular break gives you a moment to regain some clarity. Even if you’re in the middle of a particularly long project, breaks can give you a few moments to process the next steps.
Walking Breaks for Exercise to Boost Brain Power
I’ve always been a fan of taking a walking break. It’s to the point where I feel weird if I simply sit down to relax.
Walking helps improve brain function. And as a writer, my brain is the most important organ. Exercise in general boosts memory, mood, and cognitive function and has been found to reduce the onset of mental illnesses such as dementia.
This could partially explain why I get some of my best ideas while walking. In fact, I’ve worked out a lot of troubleshooting issues when I owned the computer center.
Starting the Next Project Fresh
Lastly, taking a break helps me start the next project fresh and relaxed. I’m more likely to maintain another block of work regardless of the topics I’m covering.
Part of this is because I’m following my ultradian rhythm. This is when you are more efficient by adhering to your biological needs. For me, it’s being able to maintain a solid 70 to 90 minutes of work before needing to step away.
The bottom line is that after a nice walking break, I am far more efficient and take on the next project with renewed energy and a sense of gusto.
How Often Should You Be Taking a Break?
When it comes to breaks, it really depends on how active your job is and when you are the most productive. As I said, I can work for a solid 90 minutes and keep the momentum. Others can push it past 120 minutes, or two hours.
Sometimes, I’ll keep going until I realized that I went from a sitting position in my chair to slouching so far down that my back is nearly flush with the seat.
It’s like I slowly melt at my desk.
A lot of people will aim to take their breaks between the 90 to 120-minute mark. On average, anything after that makes you less efficient at your job. This is one of the main reasons why companies in the US have dedicated breaks every two hours.
Of course, that also depends on where you work.
In any case, try aiming for 90 minutes of solid work before taking a walking break. If you find that you can keep the same pace, you could probably try going for 100 minutes instead.
Or, perhaps you found that 90 minutes is just too long between breaks. At which point, try reducing it by 10 minutes at a time.
I know that finding your ultradian rhythm sounds kind of new-agey, but I assure you, it works exceptionally well for many people.
What’s the Best Method for Taking a Break Throughout the Day?
For me, taking regular walks is the best way to get a break. As I mentioned above, it’s actually quite good for the brain and body. In my case, anything that boosts physical activity is going to be a huge benefit.
However, that’s what works best for me. Not everyone will have the same experience across the board. Although walking studies have demonstrated great benefits, you could simply enjoy your moments in a myriad of ways.
15 Minutes at a Time
Again, everyone is different. But for me, taking some time to myself for a solid 15 minutes is the cornerstone of my success. This gives me plenty of time to unwind, process a bit of information, and prep myself for the next round.
Lately, I’ve also been keeping track of how many calories I can burn per minute during these 15-minute walks with my Fitbit. Though, that is something fun for me to dive into during a break.
Taking a Break from Tech Helps
Some of my favorite moments are those when I have no technology to take away from the “me” time. Too much screen time has adverse effects on a child’s mind. But I’ve also found that breaks that don’t involve scrolling through Twitter are more effective as an adult.
I simply put on some music, walk, and don’t even look at my phone until my break is done.
Focus on Yourself
The idea of taking a break is to improve your mental health. This is one of the biggest reasons why I try to avoid screen time. Social media, clients, and other elements on my phone can easily add stress to my day.
Being able to recuperate and focus on myself helps alleviate a lot of anxiety while providing a solid amount of time to catch my breath, so to speak.
Are You Taking Enough Breaks Every Day?
Trying to grind yourself into dust is never a good idea. Too many people constantly try to maintain a “hustling hard” attitude, which leads to many of them burning out.
It does no good to drive yourself to the point of exhaustion if you’re not mentally healthy enough to reap the rewards.
Make sure you get adequate time for yourself throughout the day. Remember, It’s not selfish to tend to your own needs. You’re no good to anyone if you’re high-strung, stressed, and emotionally burned out.
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