Boost your productivity: four tips for using short breaks at work

It has been known for some time that working for hours on end without any break is counterproductive. The brain is unable to concentrate for such a long stretch in one go and starts making mistakes and losing motivation. That is why you should take short breaks once in a while. But how much these breaks help you increase your concentration and productivity depends on what you do in them. Here are four tips on how to spend five-to-twenty-minute breaks during the workday to keep you as mentally relaxed and get as much done at work as possible.

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These tips were published by the Business Know-How blog.

Give yourself a digital mini-detox

The first (and very healthy) habit you can practise during work breaks is a digital detox – especially if you work on a computer. Many people automatically pick up their phone during their break and look at news or social media. But this is far from ideal. Give your eyes and brain a rest and do anything analogue that does not involve a screen or monitor.

Take a walk – ideally a nature one

Moving your body is healthy. Everyone knows that. But a nature walk is even healthier, both physically and mentally. If the office or home you work from is located near a park, forest, woods or field, a quick nature walk during your work break is an obvious choice.

Stretch your limbs

Whether you work manually or sit at a computer at work, chances are you, like 95% of other workers, are making repetitive movements or sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time. That means your joints, tendons, muscles and veins suffer. Do something for both your health and mind and take a short break to stretch.

Meditate or practise mindfulness

Disconnect for a while from your responsibilities and work by having a short meditation session. You can also use elements of mindfulness and try to focus intensely on a particular thing. Or close your eyes and intensely notice the sounds around you. Simply open a window onto the street, for example. Or have something good (but healthy) to eat, close your eyes and savour all the flavours spreading on your tongue.


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Article source Business Know-How - U.S. website focused on small and home business
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