We all must take breaks. Why, you wonder? Well, it’s when we switch from our usual activities and recharge our brains. However, the problem with breaks is that not all of them bring actual results. The right relaxation will boost your mood, creativity, and focus. Don’t feel this way after unwinding? Then, you definitely need this guide.
Why Do We All Need to Take Regular Breaks?
There are several reasons why we all need to recharge our batteries from time to time. These come down but aren’t limited to the following:
- They help us recharge our brains and reduce burnout.
- They can spark new ideas and fresh perspectives.
- They prevent cognitive boredom and help you stay on task.
- They help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.
- They can lower stress levels and improve your overall mood.
8 Common Mistakes People Make When Taking Breaks
Ok, now to the main point. Why don’t you feel the relaxing result from your breaks? These are eight potential reasons.
Skipping Rest Altogether
Many of us power through work without stopping, thinking it’s the most productive approach. In reality, skipping rest can lead to burnout and decreased efficiency. You’re not a machine; you need to pause and reset. So, first and foremost, take at least some time to rest. If the breaks are too short to really rest your body and mind, try delta-9 THC products. The best picks here would be cooling THC drinks or microdose THC pills for energy. The latter contains caffeine, zink, B vitamins, and other cool stuff. The effects are almost immediate — you feel better, both physically and emotionally.
Staying at Your Desk
This point is a tribute to all the office workers out there. All of you spend all your days glued to your desk. Obviously, you should take us something different to unwind. Your mind needs a real change of scenery to refresh, not just shifting your eyes from the screen to your phone. Get up, move around, or step outside to truly recharge.
Using Your Resttime to Scroll Social Media
Connected to the previous point, this one is a common non-obvious mistake. Yes, checking social media during your unwinding times is tempting, but this habit often leaves you feeling scattered and unfocused.
Social media can be overstimulating and doesn’t give your brain the rest it needs. And, in fact, what’s the valuable information you can get from it? If you still cannot skip your phone while resting, do some mind-boosting exercises instead. Apps like Lumosity, BrainWell, or CogniFit are your best friends here.
Eating Unhealthy Snacks
We are what we eat, remember? Some foods can boost our energy levels while others, on the contrary, make us feel tired. One of those hidden enemies is various junk foods — they are picked oh-so-often. But if you want to get some energy benefits while dropping in for a snack, choose healthier options like nuts, fruit, or yogurt that will sustain your energy without the sugar spike.
Ignoring Your Body’s Signals
Many people ignore the subtle signs their body gives them, like eye strain, stiff muscles, or a slight headache. All these signify when you should eventually take that rest. Ignoring them? A bad idea that can lead to more significant issues like chronic pain or burnout. Whenever you feel these cues, take a moment to stretch, hydrate, or give your eyes some time to rest from the screen.
Working Through Breaks
Many people work on small tasks during their rest time, thinking it’s productive.
But if you’re still mentally engaged in work, it’s not really a break. Use those unwinding times for relaxation, not just shifting to smaller work tasks.
Taking Breaks That Are Too Short or Too Long
The optimal rest length is often debated, but research suggests that working for 52 minutes, followed by a 17-minute rest, is the sweet spot for productivity. Too short, and you won’t feel refreshed; too long, and it’s hard to get back into the flow.
Not Disconnecting Mentally
A common error is not fully disengaging from work during breaks. It means that you actually continue scanning through your work tasks, thinking about what’s next on the schedule. For a productive rest, your mind must shift away from work thoughts entirely. Try distracting yourself with light, enjoyable activities like listening to music, doodling, or simply staring out of a window to fully reset your brain.
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Taking breaks the right way can make a big difference in how you feel and how well you work. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll find yourself more refreshed, focused, and productive throughout your day.
