The Power of Pausing: How Taking Breaks Boosts Productivity

Author: Dustin Crossland

07-03-2023

In today’s demanding business landscape, professionals are often saddled with an unending list of tasks. Conventional wisdom might suggest that the more hours you pour into your work, the more you’ll get done. However, this is a counterproductive mindset. Instead, taking strategically placed breaks can actually amplify your productivity significantly. Let’s dive into why this is the case.

Understanding Productivity: Output Per Hour vs. Hours Worked

In the realm of business, productivity is usually assessed as the amount of output produced per unit of input. When it comes to human capital, the output is the work done, while the input often translates to hours worked.

Now, this is where things get a bit tricky. While it’s easy to calculate the number of hours one spends working (the input), measuring the output isn’t always as straightforward. The quality and impact of work can vary widely. Because of this disparity in ease of measurement, many individuals and companies err by focusing on simply increasing the hours worked. This, however, can be a suboptimal strategy.

The Science Behind Taking Breaks

Numerous studies have demonstrated that taking breaks during work hours can actually boost overall productivity. For instance, a study by DeskTime, a productivity app, found that the most productive people work for 52 minutes and then take a break for 17 minutes. This pattern keeps the brain fresh and prevents burnout.

Furthermore, a seminal study conducted at the University of Illinois found that brief diversions from a task can dramatically enhance one's ability to focus for extended durations.

A Recent Personal Experience

Recently, I took a short vacation – a much-needed getaway from the daily grind. What transpired when I returned to work was nothing short of astonishing. I found that in just two days, I had completed the same amount of work I would typically achieve in an average week. The time spent recharging my batteries paid dividends in my output and efficiency.

Cognitive Rejuvenation: The Brain Needs a Breather

The reason behind this surge in productivity lies in cognitive rejuvenation. Our brains, much like our bodies, become fatigued when overworked. This leads to diminishing returns on our efforts. By taking breaks, we allow our brain to reset. This not only enhances concentration but also fosters greater creativity and problem-solving skills – invaluable assets in the business world.

Incorporating Breaks into Your Workday

So, how can professionals integrate breaks into their work routine to catalyze productivity?

1. Pomodoro Technique: Work in bursts of 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
2. Prioritize tasks: Before beginning your day, identify the most critical tasks. Focus on these during your most productive hours, typically in the morning.
3. Mindful Breaks: Use your breaks to engage in activities that genuinely relax you. This could be a brief walk, some light reading, or even meditating.

It’s imperative to recognize that more hours does not always equate to more work. The quality of those hours is paramount. By embracing breaks and allowing for cognitive rejuvenation, you are setting yourself on a trajectory for enhanced productivity, ingenuity, and success in your professional endeavors.