The Secret To Being Ultimately Productive At Work, That Everyone Is Doing

You’ve obviously got the hang of it because you wouldn’t be reading this otherwise.

But seriously, ultimate productivity requires adequate rest. Our brains are like the engine in a car, it’ll run for a period of time but then it needs to be replenished with the right fuel.

Rest is our fuel and science says, taking regular breaks between cognitive concentration and focus can improve productivity and creative output.

“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither” - Alan Cohen

Don’t fall prey to the workplace myth of ‘if you’ve got time to take a break, you lack ambition and the right drive to succeed.’ It’s a guilt trip that’s not worth its weight. Spending your time more wisely is far more effective for your productivity and overall success!

There are two types of REST breaks:

Short: these breaks are typically 3 to 5 minutes in length and require you to disengage from cognitive demanding activities. During this break, you could get a coffee or chat with your colleague down the hall. Try to avoid checking your social media feeds or browsing the web as these tasks, although sometimes relaxing, can demand cognitive output.

Frequency: usually, you take a handful of this type of break in a work day, but it’ll depend on your cognitive output and how often you’ll need a break from it.

Long: these breaks are 30 to 45 minutes in length and require you to not only disengage from cognitive demanding activities but actually go outside. During this break, you could go for a walk or eat lunch under a tree.

Frequency: you should only need one to two of this type of break during your day but it’ll depend on how long your work day is.

To gain the full benefits of rest breaks and maximise your creativity and productivity you need to implement breaks into your schedule and be non-negotiable about it.

Looking for tools to help improve your productivity, take a look at The 15 Best Productivity Apps for Getting Things Done, by Business Insider.

Did you know, according to new research, it takes approximately 66 days to form a new habit? A habit refers to a behaviour that is routine and tends to occur automatically.

The message here is, if you’re persistent and stick to taking much-needed breaks during your work day it will become second nature to you. Meaning you’ll be performing better and more consistently without having to force yourself.

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