Our society may encourage hustle and grind as the only means to be productive but if you really want to maintain your well-being and efficiency, stop and rest. Working through our lunches and not taking small breaks can actually be very counterproductive. Pushing past our limits causes our productivity to take a nosedive, coupled with additional stress and eventually burnout.

The downside of the hustle culture

The technique can be broken down into five easy steps:<ol><li>Pick a task</li><li>Set a 25-minute timer</li><li>Work on your task until time is up</li><li>Take a 5-minute break</li><li>Every 4 Pomodoros, take a 15-to-30-minute break</li></ol>This technique allows you to break down complex tasks and cluster small tasks together.

The Pomodoro Technique

<ul><li>SET AND MAINTAIN BOUNDARIES</li></ul>The problem is, more often than not, people feel entitled to our time and expect an immediate response. The key thing to remember is to maintain boundaries around your time. Just because you are accessible does not make you available.<ul><li>TAKE A NAP</li></ul>Try adding naps into your daily or weekly routine. Naps have restorative power. Even a 20 to 30 minute nap can effectively recharge your battery. Set an alarm and minimized distractions. Notice when your brain naturally begins to tucker out and you are most sleepy. More than likely it’s around the same time every day.

Detach from work now to connect back later

Getting up to stretch, going outside, and giving your eyes a break can be energizing. It helps to get the blood circulating, which is good for your physical and brain health. Doing this activity can help to decrease eye strain and bouts of fatigue. If you really want to be more productive and be creative, take these necessary breaks.  Our brains are like a machine, but we are not robots. Implementing rest periods, whether it’s via the Pomodoro Technique or some other methods, will help reduce fatigue and stress.

MOVE AWAY FROM YOUR DESK

Using a productivity hack such as the Pomodoro technique can help you regain some level of control over how you manage your time. It helps you prioritize your breaks, minimize distractions, and optimize your brain so you can be more efficient and productive. Taking a break allows you to come back to a task with a different perspective. It gives your brain a chance to tap into clarity, creativity, and insight.

MOVE AWAY FROM YOUR DESK

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Take strategic breaks