How to rest in a break, then to work more productively

When the sight of a huge list, breaks seem an unaffordable luxury. But they are necessary not only for health, but also to increase efficiency. The authors of popular books on productivity shared their advice.

5-15 minutes

Head

Tate Carson (Carson Tate), author of the book "Work easily. Individual approach to increase productivity"Advises to break completely disconnect from work. Stop snacking and view e-mail at the same time.

Move: go down and go up the stairs, take a walk on the street, take a few push-ups or jumping. The movement will increase the concentration and creativity. "No matter what you do, the main thing - to warm up - says Tate. - Five-minute break may be even more effective than a half-hour, if you include in it the movement. "

Relax

And sometimes the most productive way to do nothing. Thomas Mora (Maura Thomas), author of Work Without Walls, advises in the break not to look in the list. Engage meditation, Practice mindfulness or just breathe deeply. "These techniques will help to cheer up, no matter how much you do not have time: two minutes or twenty" - says Thomas.

Or just look at the greenery outside the window and dream. According to researchersGreen micro-breaks: Viewing workplace nature improves mood and performance.Such "green" mini breaks improve concentration and efficiency.

30 minutes

Do not sit on the ground

Laura Stack (Laura Stack), author of The Exhaustion Cure, advises walk briskly. If weather permits, go down a few times and go up the stairs. "When you sit at a desk for hours, energy levels drop, - says Stack. - make the most of what is: walk around the parking lot or on all floors of the building, use the usual ladder as the simulator. "

Uber on the table

Another option - to restore order in the workplace. Whatever may be said about the relationship disorder and creativity, chaos on the table causes stress. Cluttered desk makes you feel that you can not cope with the work. Quite probably, somewhere in this mess were the documents that require your attention.

a chat

Communication will also help to relax. Call someone from friends or chat with colleagues. Just do not talk about work, find other topics.

60 minutes

Stroll

Do not stay in the workplace, dine in the café or meet up with a friend. According to Thomas, it will help to relax, reduce stress and recharge your batteries. Or have a coffee with colleagues. Strengthening the working relationship is useful for career.

Record your thoughts

When you do not want to go anywhere, vyplesnite all the accumulated thoughts on paper. So you are free from them and evaluate them more objectively. If you have a big project ahead, write down your plans. When it's time to get to work, you'll be prepared.

read

Take a break from the screen and read a book. sometimes reading relieves stress even more effective than music or a walk. It soothes and helps to forget about their problems.

see also

• 9 simple and effective ways to relieve stress →
• 22 unexpected ways to cope with anxiety →
• 25 ways to feel better in a bad day →