Increase your productivity by taking a break

Biological, physiological needs, circadian rhythms, and even environmental circumstances influence performance. The superior energy distribution and turnover in the brain ensure the fluid regulation of the mind. Being tired and hungry causes glitches in energy supply, which damages cognitive flexibility, causing a decline in performance. The hectic pace of our day harms the quality of our life. Nervousness and anxiety lead to impatience, sloppiness, and superficiality. Stress erodes determination, which causes negative attitudes to become preferred behavior. A feeling of pressure should be the signal for the need to slow down.

Taking a break is easy to understand, because rest refreshes the mind, increases resilience and fuels determination. As discussed earlier, optimal sleep improves intelligence, bodily function, and spiritual stability. Creating a distance from the grind of every day by spending time within a supporting circle of friends or family can spur a fresh perspective and a new momentum in our thinking. Taking time to help friends, family members, or strangers is a change of mental scenery, which improves goodwill.

A concert, gallery viewing, or walking in nature or a park, elevates the soul; reading meaningful thoughts from a book can turn into a mental vacation. Even domestic activities, such as cooking, cleaning, or organizing, can create an uplifting change of scenery. Humor is an instant confidence booster. Rest allows you to take stock by evaluating whether you are on the right track.

For example, when Microsoft tested out a four-day workweek in its Japan offices, it found that employees were not only happier – but significantly more productive. The shortened weeks led to more efficient meetings and higher productivity (by a staggering 40%). In addition to the increased productivity, employees took 25% less time off during the trial, and electricity use was down 23% in the office with the additional day off per week. In other experiments, people could accomplish their tasks by working only for six hours. 

Picture credit: Three Boys at Lake Tanganyika by Martin Munkacsi

My straightforward handbook, The Power of Joy, gives you the tools and advice you need to become the best version of yourself.

                                                            

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