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Here’s Why You Should Take Regular Breaks At Work!

Most of us spend our workdays sitting at our desks, being chained to our cubicles, straining our eyes in front of the computer screen and then wondering why we have a nagging pain in our neck and shoulders. We assume that taking breaks at work would put us behind the rest, especially at a time when ”Being Busy” is glorified. In the pursuit of achieving a good standing at our workplaces, we work overtime and agree to take on extra work when in reality this ”Hard work” mentality is not just ineffective but also unhealthy.  

By not taking adequate breaks from work, your productivity, mental well-being and overall work performance may begin to suffer. Overworking often leads to stress and burnout. In the middle of chaos, we don’t realize how draining it gets until we are out of it. Stepping out of the chaos of the workday not only gives our minds but also all our other senses a much-needed break. Taking adequate breaks during the workday drastically improves focus. We are not supercomputers that can run continuously at a high speed for a long duration.    

The Pomodoro Technique, the world-renowned time management tool invented by Francesco Cirillouses, uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Our brains need some downtime so that we can dive back to achieve greater focus.  

Taking a break from work increases focus when employees return to work, thus improving their productivity. Additionally, taking breaks relieves some stress, which helps employees’ mental health and well-being.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

So how do breaks at work help our brain?

Taking frequent short breaks (micro-breaks) is more effective in preventing aches and pains, than a single longer break in the middle of the day. It is important to remember that during these short breaks, you must move your body to maintain your blood circulation.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Choosing what you do during your break time is also of utmost importance. A break where you are gulping down cups of caffeine or venting about a problem is hardly beneficial. It only adds to your fatigue. An effective break should leave you with a sense of positivity. For breaks to be effective, there needs to be a refreshing change of pace that allows you to escape work, even if it’s just for a short time.

When you plan your day and more specifically the time you have, switching between work and breaks will come to you naturally. You’ll be able to judge what to work on when and will have clear boundaries for work time and downtime. Breaks reboot your brain and help you to dive back in with greater focus.  

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