Raise your hand if you find yourself hitting up social media, daydreaming, or generally wasting your time while you're supposed to be working ??
Don't worry, you're not alone! One survey found that 80% of employees waste time at work on non-related tasks. Like playing sudoku, paying bills, catching up with friends? And with the current state of the world, I'd guess that number is even higher!
Truthfully, it's not our fault that we waste this time, the adult attention span lasts for about 20 minutes (we can choose to refocus on the same task after that). It's completely unrealistic to plow through an entire work day fully engaged in work alone. Our brains need breaks!
Instead of trying to force yourself to respond to that email (you know the one you've just read 16 times and you still have no idea what it says), try to take intentional breaks. Breaks that will re-energize you and boost your mood.
5 Steps To Take Intentional Breaks At Work To Boost Productivity:
1. Examine your priorities.
All of the things in your life are not equally important. Somethings mean more to you than others. It's easy to get caught up in all of your responsibilities, and forget what's actually meaningful to you. Take the time to make a list of what gives your life purpose and fuels your soul.
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2. Identify what boosts your mood and energy.
Review your list of priorities and star anything that reinvigorates you! By doing things you enjoy during your break, one study found you're more likely to return to work more energized. Make a list of actions that revitalize you, and support your priorities.
For example: going to yoga, taking a walk or eating lunch outside, Facetiming friends, watching a favorite TV show, reading a book, playing with puppies in a shelter, etc.
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3. Plan ahead.
Even if you have a totally unpredictable daily schedule, there is usually a certain rhythm, if not a set schedule, for your day. For instance, my mornings are almost always slow AF because I'm not running on all cylinders #GimmeAllTheCoffee.
Take a critical look at your week and figure out what times of day you're more prone to lulls? Try to plan a break in those times, rather than just “pushing through” them. For many, mid-morning breaks are more likely to boost your concentration and energy levels compared to mid-afternoon breaks. This might mean going to yoga on your lunch break and packing your gear for the day or scheduling a lunch with a friend.
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4. Don't forget to use small breaks to your advantage.
I guarantee you are taking more 5-15 minute breaks in a given day than you realize. If you don't believe me, track your time in detail for 48 hours. Mark down every task switch you do down to the minute. Every time you get on Instagram, open emails mindlessly, or daydream. I want it all marked down and if you don't find a handful of 5-15 minutes that were mindlessly wasted then you weren't diligent enough.
Use these mini breaks to your advantage! Refer back to your original list of priorities and choose an activity that supports them. For example, developing your spiritual side may be a priority. Use the five minutes to do a meditation or read something that supports your practice.
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5. Remove distractions
I work with my phone in another room so I'm not tempted by it while working. This way when I do choose to take a break, it's intentional; not mindlessly picking up my phone and losing 5 minutes when I didn't mean too. There are also different browser extensions and apps you can install that block access to websites or apps to help you stay on track!
How do you take more intentional breaks?!
Originally published 10/19/17; Updated 03/19/2020
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Plan plan plan! This has helped me so much! I feel like planning ahead not only helps with productivity but keeps your stress levels down because you’re more organized too!
Planning is key and I always take small breaks. You need to stay organized.
Been there, done that (I think I’m actually doing it right now)! Thanks for sharing these tips. Planning ahead is something I’m always working on!
God knows I have the attention span of a toothpick, lol! I like the idea of planning ahead & figuring out the best ways to renew your energy!
Great tips! Small breaks are my saving grace lol.
I love this! With two little ones at home I tend to get side tracked easily. However, when I get my quiet afternoons I like to take short breaks to help keep me on track. I’ll switch over the laundry, that way I get to stretch and feel refreshed when I come back to my desk. Great post!!
Knowing what motivates you and boosts your energy is SO important. I love that you reminded me of that, because I have felt so low the past few weeks.
I always forget to take intentional breaks. At the same time I know that I have, because I know I would be so much more productive if I did…
Examining priorities – SO huge for me. I can be SO bad at intentional breaks, oftentimes because my priorities aren’t where they should be!
Planning ahead and small breaks are so key! I am, like, the worst all day long. Working from home is struggle city! Def taking note of these tips!
I def waste so much time on Instagram…I need to channel that into something more productive!
I am great at making a list that goes from most important to least important! It’s great when I get everything I need in order!
These are some great tips! I definitely needed to hear these
If I don’t take small breaks, I am definitely unproductive. I think taking that 5 minutes every morning to plan ahead and straighten out my priorities helps me be productive, as well!
These are great tips! I’m currently taking somewhat of a break lol so using my time to catch up on threads!
Breaks are so important — I’m better at my job when I take a minute away to breathe, get some air, socialize, etc. Your body and brain are not meant to work hours and hours in a row without stopping!
These are great tips! I am all about the pause button at work. I usually take a 10-15 minute break every two hours of working to walk Theo or grab a snack. On the days I try to work through my lulls, I get so much less done!
I used to waste so much time during my workday because I just couldn’t keep focused on my work for a long period of time, but you’re right, I’ve started taking focused breaks during the day to get other, smaller tasks on my to do list done and it really helped! These tips are pretty awesome!