The Importance of Breaks (and how to fit them in!)
People are more aware of Stress Awareness
We even have a month dedicated to it! But how much do we actually plan when and how to take a break, and recharge our batteries. Burnout is a term that is occurring more frequently in the workplace and according to a recent survey by Slack, 43% of middle managers reported burnout. That’s nearly half!!!
Keeping up with the Joneses
As a society, we often glorify the idea of working non-stop and being constantly productive. However, research has shown that taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. In fact, a recent study found that taking regular breaks can actually improve creativity, focus and overall job satisfaction. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of taking breaks and provide some tips on how to make sure you're having them at work before reaching burnout.
Fatigue Prevention
Firstly, let's look at why taking breaks is so important. Our brains can only focus for a certain amount of time before becoming fatigued. Taking breaks allows our minds to rest and recharge, which leads to increased productivity when we return to work. In addition, taking breaks can reduce stress levels and prevent burnout, which is becoming increasingly common in the UK workplace. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress and overworking, and can lead to a variety of negative consequences including reduced job performance and mental health problems.
Proactive Break Taking
So, how can we make sure we're taking breaks at work? Firstly, it's important to schedule regular breaks into your day. This could be a short 10-minute break every hour, or a longer lunch break, or even making your meetings slightly shorter to factor some downtime in. DILIGENCE during break times is critical. Use this time to do something that relaxes you, such as going for a walk, reading a book or doing some stretching exercises. Another tip is to set boundaries around your work. This means not checking your emails or taking work calls during your breaks. Instead, focus on doing something that helps you switch off and recharge.
Finally, make sure you're taking breaks that are appropriate for your role. Some jobs may require more frequent breaks than others, such as jobs that involve physical labour or high levels of concentration. It's important to listen to your body and take breaks when you need them, rather than pushing through and risking burnout.
In conclusion, taking breaks is essential for maintaining productivity, reducing stress levels and preventing burnout. By scheduling regular breaks into your day, setting boundaries around your work and listening to your body, you can ensure that you're taking the breaks you need to perform at your best. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed at work, remember that taking a break isn't a sign of weakness – it's a sign that you care about your wellbeing and want to perform at your best.
Hunter, E. M., Wu, C., & Giveans, D. (2020). The beneficial effects of microbreaks to counteract the adverse impact of prolonged sitting on fatigue, discomfort, and cognitive function. Journal of Applied Psychology, 105(12), 1407–1416. doi: 10.1037/apl0000507
Reis, D., Hopstaken, J. F., & de Jong, R. (2021). Does taking a break matter? A meta-analysis of on-task dissociation during periods of work. Psychological Bulletin, 147(5), 427–464. doi: 10.1037/bul0000314
Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual Review of Psychology, 52(1), 397–422. doi: 10.1146/annurev.psych.52.1.397
