To do lists are endless. There’s always something to do.
I have a bad habit of stressing over things I have to do tomorrow.
Stressing over all the things I haven’t done, all the things I should be doing – so much that a break isn’t relaxing, it’s procrastination, keeping my mind busy so I don’t think about the responsibility-monster hiding under the desk.
Is this productive? No. Does it actually hinder productivity? Yes.
An alternative strategy is strict discipline. Strapping yourself to the desk, blocking all distracting sites and not stopping for anything, not even when your fingers starts to bleed from your furious typing.
This is how I used to think – breaks are unproductive, so you should feel guilty every second you’re not working.
Does this sound more productive? No, not really. I mean, you get something done, but you don’t feel that good. It’s really exhausting, and impossible to keep up in the long run.
WHY YOU NEED TO TAKE A BREAK
Your mind is not a machine – you can’t just plug yourself in at the desk and then work at 100% capacity constantly.
For maximum productivity, we need to alternate between periods of highly focused work and resting or fun.
Let’s have a look at some research: A german study looked at how some of the best violinist practice, and found that their sessions never lasted more than 60-90 minutes at a time, with a total daily practice time at 4.5 hours.
NAPS DOESN’T MEAN YOUR LAZY
Another thing the violinists did, was take naps – 20 to 30 minutes every afternoon. And not because they didn’t get enough sleep at night, as they got an average of over 8 hours.
Naps aren’t for everyone (where do you get all that energy!) but it helps me after a long day with classes at uni. I am not ready to study and do homework. I need some food, and I need a nap before I feel refreshed and ready to work (or work out).
But remember to set an alarm so a 20 minute nap doesn’t suddenly turn into 4 hours.
You might think 20 minutes is a short time, what if I can’t fall asleep? I don’t always manage to fall asleep. For me it helps to put on some relaxing music, and just allow my mind to wander, gently pushing thoughts about work and responsibilities away for a time – kind of like meditating.
While researching for this post, I also learned that even NASA pilots take 40 minute naps because it improves their reaction time. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to be like a NASA pilot?
TIME YOUR WORK TIME
Have a look at your to-do list. Decide what you want to do in the next 60-90 minutes – be realistic.
Look at the clock, or set a timer.
When the time is up, get up.
Walk around, refill your water bottle or coffee cup, go outside for some fresh air, stretch, chat with someone, watch a youtube video, check your social media (so you’re not tempted to do it while you are supposed to be productive).
Stay away from the bad cycle of being half productive, half procrastinating on twitter, and fully stressing about everything you have to do – it just make you feel tired, without getting as much done.
Give your mind a proper break, and after a little while, you’re ready to tackle the next 90 minute hurdle.
Reading this post was a pretty good start! Unless your work is to read my blog, in which case – when can I come in for an interview? Please hire me.
What do you do to be productive? Am I the only one who loves afternoon naptime?
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SOURCES
- Work smarter: Get stuff done in 90-minute chunks
- Take Naps to Be More Productive: “The Science of Us,” Episode 17
This post comes at a really critical time for me. My caregiver duties have been getting the best of me, and I’ve been struggling with finding ways to get it all in within a 24 hour day. Thanks for sharing this!
Glad you liked the post! I hope you find some time to rest Alisha 🙂
Fab sensible post! I occasionally try to nap as have Fibromyalgia but sleep doesn’t come easy. I too stress about what I have to do, I beat myself if I’m ill & not worked on posts it done housework. We all DO need to give ourselves a break, stress is do bad for health
Heidi x
I’m not a napper. I rarely need to. My husband and daughter are the nappers in our family.
You are so right Anne – a lot of times it feels like we’re hamsters in a wheel. It’s so necessary to stop and take it all in and smell the flowers. Inhale and exhale:):)
Exactly! Deep breaths always help x
I’m the queen of procrastination, so I find that if I sit down with all my to-do lists and get them done, then I’m so ready to take a break! I also walk away from a task when it gets too overwhelming.
I have a bad habit of doing that too. I find that it sometimes helps to lower my expectations, so it doesn’t seem as overwhelming x
We do need a break! This is a good reminder to care for ourselves too 🙂
Great reminder! I’m so horrible and taking breaks. Naps are the perfect solution! I also love the MindSpace app for meditation breaks! And yoga!
I’ve been getting back into yoga lately, I feel so refreshed afterwards! 🙂
I need to be better about taking breaks. Lately I’ve been getting headaches from staring at the screen too much. It’s a sign.
Sounds like your body is trying to tell you something! Take care x
We all need mental breaks sometimes. I wish I was a nap person but it just doesn’t work for me
I loved this post! We all deserve breaks from time to time – it’s so important!
Exactly! Thank you for reading x
I absolutely agree with this!! I’m constantly thinking about what I need to do next from my (multiple) to-do lists. If we don’t have breaks we’ll burn out. Hope you’re doing well <3 xo
Exactly, accepting that you need breaks is necessary in the long run <3
Same goes for you x
i can relate everything you said here..being a stresser all the time. i do take naps esp to give my eyes and brain some rest. i think we all deserve a break!
Glad I’m not alone! x
I love the concept of this post, Anne. You are not the only one who loves afternoon naps. And I don’t like being unproductive even on vacation. I am not a type of person who can lounge around the house all day doing nothing. I need to do something, it gets to boring for me if I only watch movies and eat. I usually pick a book, go for a walk to take some photos or simply brainstorm for ideas 🙂
-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Imagine the job description: reading blog posts & spending time on Twitter – I would instantly apply haha. I loved reading this post, you’re absolutely right, we all need a break from time to time! It’s better to be 100% committed to something – whether that’s a break or the work you’re doing. I usually use my breaks to read and have a cup of tea. 🙂 xx
113-things-to-say.blogspot.com
Uhm that would be the dream!! Haha x
I do love afternoon naptime a lot! Whenever I get home from school, I easily jumps into my bed and take a nap. Aah, it’s somehow the best thing in the world. On to the days that I feel like being productive, I do the laundry and do school stuff beforehand. 🙂
Glad I’m not alone! I feel like an old person, but I just really love it 😀
Lovely post – I use the gym as the perfect break between my day job & blogging. It gets my eyes off of the screen, calms my brain and gives me clarity when I start writing.
Emma | HarmonyBlaze.co.uk
That’s fantastic! I love the boost working out gives me too x