Want to boost your productivity? TAKE MORE BREAKS!

Does this sound like YOU?

❓ back-to-back meetings with no breaks in between

❓ eating lunch in front of your computer (or sometimes skipping it because you are busy!)

❓ filling up on coffee to stay alert throughout the day

❓ working late until you start crashing

❓ feeling exhausted at the end of the day, and then starting it all over again the next morning…

In the world where ‘busy’ is glorified and associated with being successful, it’s not surprising that many of us (myself included) fall into this trap; it helps define our self-worth and importance; and, as a result, we feel guilty when doing nothing. 

Being busy is a choice - you are as busy as you allow yourself to be. If you don’t value and protect your own time to restore energy, why would others?

Taking breaks is not that hard - you just need to do it right and stick to it!

🟢 SCHEDULE IT.

Block it off in your calendar (even a 10-minute break!) and treat it with the same importance as you treat a meeting with your most important client. 

🟢 MAKE YOUR BREAKS EFFECTIVE.

Don’t browse the internet, check your social media or reply to messages - it’ll likely make you feel more distracted and overwhelmed. Instead, do some stretches, move around, have a power nap or quick meditation, watch an episode of your favourite show, have a healthy snack or glass of water. Step away from your laptop and break the “busy” routine. 

🟢 MAKE YOUR BREAKS FREQUENT.

You can try the Pomodoro technique (The Pomodoro Technique Explained (forbes.com) or find your own rhythm. When your mind starts to wander, it’s a sign to stop and take a short break (it could be every 20 mins or after every 1.5h of uninterrupted work). Trust me, you’ll accomplish a LOT MORE a LOT FASTER and feel more motivated and creative after a short break!

How often do you take breaks and what do you fill your time with?

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