Take a Better Break

Written by Emily Roycraft
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I think we can all agree that taking breaks every so often is important. Whether your break is taking a nap to recharge or getting a snack, you probably set some time aside away from work. However, how often does this actually provide you with a real break? Do you actually take that time to disconnect from work?

Disconnecting from work can be a challenge, but it has its benefits, and there are even scientific studies to back that up! Taking a better break from work can help you come back with more focus and energy than before, and that’s why we’ve collected some great ways to boost the power of your break.
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Unplug
This one’s a challenge, and I struggle with it, too. However, actually taking a break where you’re not thinking about work can help you focus when you get back to work afterward. Because it can be a challenge to get your mind off work, even if you’ve left the office, here are a few ways you can give your brain a break.

Get Creative
Taking a break for a little bit of creativity can be a great way to recharge. Not only does it give you something to focus on so that you can actually unplug for a moment, creativity gives you a few added benefits. Doodling is a classic way to get creative on your break, and it’s a great way to improve your focus and memory. Doodling while listening has been shown to improve memory, and it also makes a great creative break to help you recharge.

Look at Pictures
Have you ever taken a break to check out pictures of your pet or your kids? It might seem odd, but a 2012 study indicates that looking at cute pictures can actually improve your focus. Pick something that you find cute, whether it’s young relatives or cute animals, and take a moment to look at a picture when you take a break.

Go for a Walk
Getting a little exercise can help in a lot of different aspects of your life. One study found that exercising during the work day has a positive effect on both mood and job satisfaction. Another study showed that it can help with even more aspects of your life: reaction time, creative thinking, task switching, and more. That’s a lot of benefits for just a little bit of exercise, and getting exercise could be as simple as walking to pick up lunch.

Take a Nap
Feeling drowsy? Especially if you woke up early so that you could get a lot of work done, your energy might be flagging mid-morning. Stepping away to take a nap, if you are able, could be a great solution. Studies have shown that a 10-minute nap is a great way to decrease fatigue and increases cognitive performance.

And, if you’re having trouble separating yourself from work—which can be a challenge—remember that you’re taking a break so that you’ll be able to come back to your work refreshed, with more energy and more focus.
What do you do to take a better break at work? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Get Creative
Taking a break for a little bit of creativity can be a great way to recharge. Not only does it give you something to focus on so that you can actually unplug for a moment, creativity gives you a few added benefits. Doodling is a classic way to get creative on your break, and it’s a great way to improve your focus and memory. Doodling while listening has been shown to improve memory, and it also makes a great creative break to help you recharge.

Look at Pictures
Have you ever taken a break to check out pictures of your pet or your kids? It might seem odd, but a 2012 study indicates that looking at cute pictures can actually improve your focus. Pick something that you find cute, whether it’s young relatives or cute animals, and take a moment to look at a picture when you take a break.

Go for a Walk
Getting a little exercise can help in a lot of different aspects of your life. One study found that exercising during the work day has a positive effect on both mood and job satisfaction. Another study showed that it can help with even more aspects of your life: reaction time, creative thinking, task switching, and more. That’s a lot of benefits for just a little bit of exercise, and getting exercise could be as simple as walking to pick up lunch.

Take a Nap
Feeling drowsy? Especially if you woke up early so that you could get a lot of work done, your energy might be flagging mid-morning. Stepping away to take a nap, if you are able, could be a great solution. Studies have shown that a 10-minute nap is a great way to decrease fatigue and increases cognitive performance.
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And, if you’re having trouble separating yourself from work—which can be a challenge—remember that you’re taking a break so that you’ll be able to come back to your work refreshed, with more energy and more focus.
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What do you do to take a better break at work?