Bonjour lecteurs! In today’s fast-paced world, being busy at all time seems to be the new trend. However, working harder and longer might not necessarily be the key to succés. Indeed, des recherches récentes show that that taking breaks and engaging in relaxing activities can significantly improve long-term performance. So bearing in mind the importance of regular breaks for a better performance at work, it’s time to schedule those periods of rest in your diary.
The Science of Taking Breaks
Our brains aren’t built to work non-stop. In fact, studies have shown that working for long periods without breaks can lead to mental fatigue, reduced concentration, and a drop in productivité.
Did you know that the human brain operates in cycles of alertness and rest, known as the ultradian rhythm? Apparemment, our optimal focus can only last for about 90 minutes. After this time, our cognitive performance declines and we naturally become less productif.
Hence why you need to take a break regulièrement to refresh and get ready for the next cycle. Indeed, when you step away from a task, you can recharge and it also encourages creative thinking. Have you ever noticed that you get your best idées when you are at rest or in a relaxation mode like in the shower?!
Breaks don’t just prevent burnout; they actually enhance your ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. So let’s do it!
Enhancing Focus and Creativity
Des longues periodes of uninterrupted work may make you feel productive, but it’s not a natural process for your brain to operate.
Take créativité par exemple, it thrives on variété and mental refreshment. When we take breaks, we allow our minds to wander, a process that often leads to fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
So if you were to engage in a relaxing activity, such as solving a crossword, it can actually stimulate different areas of the brain and create mental connections for you to get more idées. Once you return to the task, you’re likely to approach it with some new clarity and a fresh perspective, allowing you to find creative solutions more easily.
Relaxation Also Has Physical Benefits
Having a break can also have some physical benefits. Working without taking regular breaks can lead to increased stress, which over time, might lead to more serious health issues both mentally and physically.
Prolonged stress contributes to higher levels of cortisol, which can lead to fatigue, impaired memory, or even weakened immune system.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or even taking a walk outside are proven to lower cortisol levels. You will then improve your overall health and energy levels.
Prioritising rest is not a weakness: it will give both your body and your mind to reset for you to be more performant in the long term.
Preventing Burnout and Fatigue
In a modern world where we are all over-connected and over-stimulated, burnout is becoming an increasing issue among professionals but also students.
Due to a lack of rest or even too much stress, symptoms of burnout include exhaustion, irritability, and a lack of motivation, which can severely impact performance and quality of life. So to prevent it (especially as a mum), it’s a bonne idée to have a work-life balance and approach rest as an ally rather than a weakness.
Taking regular breaks will help you reduce stress, by giving your brain time to reset. What are you favourite relaxation techniques? I like meditating (I use Smiling Mind which is free) or reading a book. But you can also go for a walk (it has so many benefits for both your body and your mind!) or engage in any hobby that provides you the mental escape necessary to recharge and re-engage with tasks.
A refreshed mind is far more productive than a fatigued one, and making rest a priority helps sustain long-term performance.
How To Build Better Work Habits
It might sounds difficile to take breaks into your daily routine at first. I know that I used to think I did not have enough time for it or I was better off ticking off some stuff from my to-do list.
However, you can set up a schedule that includes time for rest. Par exemple, many people follow the Pomodoro technique. Le concept est simple: you work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by a 5-minute break. This method aligns with your brain’s natural focus-rest cycle, so that you remain productive without overworking yourself.
And who said that relaxation is necessarily unproductive? Activities like solving puzzles, stretching, or even practising mindfulness can stimulate your brain while providing necessary mental relaxation. Or you can read a book and escape for a few minutes. If you carry on doing it each day, you would be amazed on what you could achieve. Worried that you might not want to go back to work? Set a timer on your phone et voilà!
To perform better in your job and reach an overall well-being, it’s important to rest. So, next time you feel the pressure to push through a deadline, consider stepping away for a few moments. Whether you take a walk, do some deep breathing, or escape with a book, these breaks will impact on your ability to perform at your best over the long haul.
