Ever feel like there’s not enough time in your day? You have too much to do and are constantly burning the candle at both ends to get it all done. Rather than taking on more, do less. In fact, if you’re like many of today’s workers, who are on the verge of burnout, it’s time to take a break.
It sounds counter-intuitive, but taking a break actually makes you more productive. When you’re tired and sluggish, it takes longer to get tasks done. However, when you’re refreshed and energized, you have the mental and physical capacity to do more in less time.
Not only that, but studies show that mistakes and accidents happen when people are tired. It’s therefore important to schedule in time to take a break to help prevent any issues from occurring on the job and at home.
Finally, regular breaks help to reduce your stress. When you’re too tired, it can impact your work life, as well as time at home. However, when you take regular breaks, you’ll have time to rest or blow off steam. This will enable you to maintain a better work-life balance, so you don’t lose patience with friends, family, and co-workers.
Don’t you think you can fit in breaks in your day? Here are a few tips to help you:
Schedule a break during your body’s downtime.
During each day, our bodies go through natural fluctuations in energy. Some people have more energy in the morning and slow down in the afternoon, while others find a second wind at night and feel sluggish early on in the day.
Whatever your natural cycle, schedule breaks and downtime during it. For most people, the time when they’re more tired is between 2 and 4 pm. When you schedule in a break for during time, you’ll be able to improve concentration, alertness, and productivity.
Follow your body’s signs.
If your body is giving you signals – like your back hurts or your eyes are tired – then take a break. It doesn’t have to be a long one. In fact, simply getting up and stretching or turning away from your computer for a few minutes can help you recover. However, when you ignore these signals from your body, over time, it can lead to more physical pain and even impact productivity.
Take the right kind of break.
A break doesn’t have to mean sitting around and doing nothing. For some, a short cat nap might be ideal. But for others, there are many ways to take a break in an active way. These include stretching, walking around the office or outside for a few minutes, practicing deep breathing, and using visualization as a technique to maintain inner peace.
When you follow these tips, you’ll also be following your body’s cues when you need a break. Once you do return to work, you’ll actually benefit from more focus, fewer mistakes, and better results.
Are you ready for a permanent break from your job?
Turn to the team at Future Force for help. We’re one of the leading temp agencies in Orlando, FL, and can give you access to a range of temporary roles or part-time work. You can step away from your full-time, permanent position and get the break you need while still earning an income. Search our jobs now.
