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You're Taking Breaks The Wrong Way, Here's How To Fix That
Give Your Mind The Right Fuel
Your brain works best with a consistent level of glucose in your blood–25 grams.
To keep your brain working at peak performance, opt for a snack on your break that includes a higher level of protein, such as a small serving of chicken, beef, or fish, nuts or nut butter, or a protein supplement.
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Key Ideas
Microbreaks
They refer to any brief activity that helps to break up the monotony of physically or mentally draining tasks.
They can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes a...
The power of microbreaks
They can improve workers’ ability to concentrate, change the way they see their jobs, and even help them avoid the typical injuries that people get when they’re tied to their desks all day.
There’s no consensus on how long the ideal microbreak should last or how often you should have them; it’s up to you to experiment with what works best.
Why stretching matters
Tiny breaks are thought to help us to cope with long periods at our desks by taking the strain off certain body structures – such as the neck – that we’re using all day.
If you’re getting into microbreaks to give your body – rather than your brain – a rest, it’s best to do something physical like standing up or changing position.
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Key Ideas
Pulse And Pause
Research shows that humans naturally move from full focus and energy to physiological fatigue every 90 minutes.
Many different methods have been developed around the idea of work...
Work To A Deadline
In addition to the science behind the productivity benefits of “pulse and pause”, many users of the technique feel the deadline approach provides added value.
Ian Cleary, founder of Razorsocial (an award-winning marketing technology blog): “When you have a deadline, you are more productive.”
Think Healthy
Regular exercise improves our metabolism and increases energy levels. But many feel that including exercise within the workday is asking for too much—and that’s why using a longer break for simple exercise is so effective. Simple exercise could include a 20-minute power walk or a bike ride of similar length.
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Key Ideas
Schedule Flow Time
A good general rule of thumb is blocking out one-to-two-hour chunks of time in your calendar for uninterrupted work.
You have to stay committed to getting into the rhythm. It’s critical to ig...
Timeboxing
Timeboxing is allocating a pre-determined amount of time to finish a given activity. It encourages you to find more efficient ways to finish tasks.
Know When To Disconnect
Recognize when you need to take a break and continue later on when you can be more effective. Signs that you need to take a break are:
- Struggling to focus continually.
- If you’re making a lot of little mistakes.
- When you’re feeling agitated or stressed.
- If your eyes are hurting.
- When you feel tired.
Regardless of how you’re feeling, you should take a quick break every 90 minutes or two hours.