Are you someone who struggles to maximise their time off during extended breaks? Do you find yourself feeling guilty to stay productive during those breaks?
Taking a break is essential; you can try it to be more productive. One article from INC showed the survey of more than 200 office workers both managers and front-line staff agreed that breaks were essential. 90% of managers say they support breaks, and 86% of workers think breaks increase productivity.
More than a quarter of the workers surveyed admitted that they never left their desks other than for lunch. What effects are workers experiencing from all that sitting? Predictable ones: according to a survey of employees, 41% of them feel burned out.
When you take a break, you’re not stepping away from responsibility. You’re taking care of yourself. By realising the signs that you need time off, you’ll know when the time to take a break so you feel more energised and refreshed.
First, let's address the elephant in the room: the importance of taking breaks.
Why Taking Breaks is Important?
As humans, we're not meant to work non-stop. We need time to recharge, rest, and rejuvenate ourselves.
Psychology Today has shown that taking breaks can improve our productivity and creativity, allowing us to come back to our work with renewed energy and focus. So, taking time off isn't just a luxury - it's a necessity.
When is the Best Time to Take Breaks?
So, when is the best time to take breaks? The answer is: it depends. Some people prefer taking short breaks throughout the day, while others find longer breaks more effective. Determining what works best for you and your work style is important.
It's also important to take longer breaks at work, such as vacations or extended time off, to fully recharge and avoid burnout.
Research showed that the best time for a regular break is mid-morning, and do something you enjoy.
Tips to Stay Productive During Extended Breaks
Now, let's dive into some productivity tips for your time off:
1. Plan to take a break
Before taking time off, plan and tie up any loose ends at work. This will allow you to avoid any work-related stress during your time off.
It's important to consider any upcoming deadlines or important meetings that may need your attention. Create a to-do list with specific tasks and set deadlines for each one.
Consider delegating tasks to colleagues or teammates. This can help ensure that important projects continue to move forward while you're away, and also provide opportunities for your colleagues to step up and take on more responsibility.
2. Set boundaries
When taking time off, set boundaries for yourself and others. Let your coworkers and boss know you'll be unavailable during this time, and avoid checking work emails or taking work-related calls.
If you try a project management tool using VirtualSpace, you can set your availability time of work, so your coworkers know you’re available or not.
It will help you disconnect from work to set a healthy example for your colleagues to prioritize their well-being. Taking care of yourself is essential, and setting boundaries is a great way to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
3. Stepping away from screens
Taking a break from screens can be a great way to give your mind and body the rest it needs. With so much of our lives revolving around screens, it can be hard to step away from technology, but it's important to make the effort to unplug as much as possible during your time off.
Give yourself time to disconnect from work emails, social media, and other forms of digital communication that can cause unnecessary stress. Instead, try to focus on activities that don't involve screens.
You can spend time outdoors, reading a book, or simply enjoying quality time with friends and family.
4. Develop your hobbies
Use your time off to pursue hobbies you don't normally have time for during work. Practising your hobbies also gives you a sense of fulfilment outside of work.
When you take a break from work to do something you love, you come back to your work with renewed energy and focus. So, don't hesitate to set aside some time each week to indulge in your hobbies and passions.
Let yourself enjoy the benefits of having a well-rounded and fulfilling life.
5. Eating healthy
Eating a well-balanced diet can help keep your energy levels up, boost your immune system, and improve your overall well-being. Even when you’re on a break, eating healthy food is important.
So, when you're on an extended break, make sure to prioritize healthy eating habits. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, and more. Try new healthy recipes or prepare your meals from scratch.
You can also make it a fun activity by getting friends or family members involved in cooking and meal planning.
6. Fuel your mind
Just like your body, your mind needs fuel too, especially when you're on a break. Learning something new is one of the best ways to fuel your mind. You can read a book, take an online course, or attend a workshop or seminar.
Learning something new not only keeps your mind active. It also helps you learn new skills and perspectives. It can also be a great way to explore new interests and even make new friends.
In addition to learning, make sure to also take time to rest and recharge your mind. By giving your mind the space to relax and recharge, you'll be better focused on your daily life when your break is over.
To Sum It Up
Taking breaks is important for us. It is important to prioritize our well-being and avoid burnout. As we know that burnout can negatively impact our productivity and creativity.
Research shows that breaks increase productivity and creativity, allowing us to come back to work with renewed energy and focus. It's essential to determine the best type of breaks that work for you, whether it's taking shorter breaks throughout the day or longer vacations.
