Why taking breaks is crucial for productivity at work

As humans, we often end up pushing ourselves to the limit when it comes to work. We usually think that taking breaks will make us look weak, but really; who are we kidding? Practically speaking, taking breaks is so crucial, not just for our well being but also for our productivity. Merit Services take you through a journey of exploration in this blog to help you understand why taking breaks is crucial for productivity, your overall well being and how taking breaks can actually help you get done more.

Gaining Clarity

First of all, taking breaks can give you some clarity. It helps you refresh and recharge your mind batteries. It’s so easy to become tired and end up losing focus just because you refuse to take breaks. If you take short breaks after every couple hours of work, you’re doing your brain a favor by giving it a chance to rest and reset. Now you can get back to work with energy and clarity.

Anxiety and Stress

Next up, if you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed and stressed out – chances are you need a break. Consider taking a few minutes to step away from work, go for a walk and just breathe. This will definitely help your mind and reduce the tension in your body. The aftermath – well you’ll feel more relaxed and focused when you get back to work.

Creative Block

Additionally, if you’re stuck on a problem or have a creative block, you probably need to take a break. Taking breaks gives your brain a chance to let information sink in and make connections between thoughts that you might not be able to do while working. Now you can return to work with the best of both worlds – new ideas and insights. 

Burning Out

Moreover, taking breaks will prevent you from burning out and will promote a healthy work-life balance. And yes, it’s 2023 – and we still need to work on work-life balance way more than ever before. When you’re prioritizing taking breaks, you’re able to give yourself the permission to step away and focus on other aspects of your life. Some which might even be more important like spending time with your loved ones, pursuing new hobbies. 

To make the most of your breaks, it’s important to use that time effectively. Instead of just scrolling through social media or checking your email, engage in activities that truly help you disconnect and recharge, like taking walks, meditating, or listening to music.

In conclusion, taking breaks is crucial for your productivity, creativity, and overall well being. By prioritizing breaks and using them effectively, we can become more productive and achieve our goals more efficiently. So the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or fatigued, remember that taking a break might be just what you need to recharge and refocus.

For more tips on how to improve your work-life balance, check out this article from Forbes on “6 Tips For Better Work Life Balance.”