How to change your working day to feel a surge of strength

Most of the XX century, scientists perceived by the brain as a machine. They studied the part and determines their function. Broca Center is responsible for it, the amygdala - out of fear, the neocortex - for higher mental activity.

Brain association with the car - it is a model of productivity of the industrial age. We have moved into a new century, but still continue to use the type of behavior that is appropriate for the time and satisfies its needs. And in spite of the great advances in the study of the brain, many of us still cling to the outdated idea of ​​productivity, without even realizing it.

body control when you want to control the mind

In the industrial age managers control the bodies. Bodies which are found to work for 8, 10 or 12 hours. Quality and efficiency, of course, suffered, but not too much. At the factory it is important that the line moved, and managers try to limit downtime to increase the number of products.

But the brain does not work like a machine. You can not run it for 12 hours and then turn off. The body also needs rest, so the plants have organized shift work, to ensure the supply of fresh and rested bodies.

But the brain needs rest more often. Without rest, he becomes frustrated, filled with nonsense and is not able to work. Thus, the constant mental work without interruption seems effective only if you are comparing the brain of the machine.

But our brain is more like a five-year child: it has vast reserves of energy, creativity and desire to learn. But as a child, he needs short periods of rest and entertainment.

Supervisors and managers of the XXI century must be aware that in the present conditions of labor, they do not control the bodies and brains. So how should organize the work in our time?

1. Choose the right rhythm of work

In 1980, Japan tried to create excellent students. It was assumed that children will study harder and longer than in other countries.

But despite the fact that Japanese schoolchildren school day was longer breaks in it was much more - every 40-50 minutes. A quarter of all time took breaks. Yet Japanese children outperformed American students, who have not had much rest.

Related Software opening made Jim Loehr (Jim Loehr) and Tony Schwartz (Tony Schwartz). They found that people with high levels of mental activity does not work 100% all the time. Their mental activity undulating, with ups and downs. The conclusion is simple: try to establish a rhythm for his team - 40-50 minutes of work and rest for 10-15 minutes.

2. Take breaks free

Another interesting point mentioned Japanese study is that the breaks were completely free. Children given the opportunity to do whatever they wish.

Let breaks your employees are doing what they want.

If you are distracted from the main project, and start to make smaller, it does not give the brain needed rest. And when you return to the main project, the brain will not work at full capacity maximum.

So that during the break, let the people from their team to do whatever they wish: to read books, watch videos on YouTube, to call family or friends, take a nap, play table games. All that is not working.

3. Sit on the ground

This does not mean you have to lie down on the floor in the office. Go out, get the lawn, take off your shoes, walk on the grass, sit or lie down on the ground and a good stretch.

StudyPublished in the Journal of Environmental Study and Public Health, found that physical contact with ground activates the parasympathetic nervous system. The body is filled with acetylcholine, a relaxing hormone. This will help you step back from the work, clear your mind and get ready for the next period of productivity.

Whatever you do, try to move away from the eight-hour day with only a break for lunch. Remember that what is suitable for the production line, will not be effective in the office.