How to Boost Creativity by Taking Breaks

One thing I wish my 25-year-old self knew: Rest is productive. In my early days as a doctor, I didn’t use to give much thought to rest. When I became a mother, I would actively avoid using up the 20 minutes/day lunch break offered by my 9-5. I would see patients during that time so I could go home early and spend time with my children. As a result, I got irritable often and eagerly awaited weekends and vacations. Since then, I actively schedule rest time during my day. There are three types of breaks every working professional should take: 1) Micro breaks (less than 10 minutes) 🌿 Such breaks allow the brain to recharge. By taking a few moments to do nothing, enjoy nature, or watch something amusing, we provide our minds with the opportunity to rejuvenate. 2) Long breaks (over 20 minutes) 🕛 In today's hybrid work models, it's common to have lunch at our desks, attempting to multitask. Unfortunately, this does not provide the necessary mental rest. To fully benefit from a break, it is important to step away. You can sit with friends or alone, savor your meal, do a short meditation, or go on a walk. 3) Extended vacations🏖️🌴 Many people accumulate unused vacation days, which often go to waste. It is vital that we embrace and utilize every opportunity for a vacation. During this time, whether we explore nature, visit new places, or tend to personal matters, our brains have the chance to recharge. Vacations result in improved productivity, increased well-being, and the resolution of accumulated fatigue. I would like to add a 4th as well… 4) Thinking time 💭 Mental workers — people who do cognitively demanding work — should dedicate uninterrupted blocks of time to just… think. 🧘🏻 During this time, you create a distraction-free space where you can ideate, find answers to questions, or just reflect. Thinking time can be scheduled weekly or monthly, and even incorporated into vacations. ⏰ Remember, there are various ways to incorporate breaks into your routine, so choose what suits you best. In my own practice, I allocate a two-hour gap in my schedule between seeing patients in the morning and the afternoon. ☀️ During this break, I go for a walk or indulge in cooking and allow myself to feel completely rested before the next session. This routine has made a remarkable difference in my energy levels, eliminating irritability and preventing fatigue at the end of the day. Whether you are employed or self-employed, I encourage you to make the most of every break. Rest is invaluable for resetting the brain and achieving productivity in both personal and professional life. #rest #worklifebalance #brainhealth #productivity

The value of prioritizing breaks throughout the day shouldn't be underestimated. Make time for periodic and regular mental rest because managing your mental energy is critical to maximizing your time. I constantly have to remind myself to do this every day. I have a hard-driving personality, so it's not in my nature to step away from the task at hand. It feels like I will lose ground or miss something important, and staying "locked in" for hours on end can be addictive. How many times do we tell ourselves: - We don't have time to break away from our desk - We can't step away from what we are currently focused - We can't say "no" to that extra meeting? We do it because we think packing our day is essential to maximizing our output or yielding even a few minutes will make us fall behind. It's why so many people eat lunch at their desks, myself included. Time management has become an obsessive focus in our quest to better ourselves and be competitive. How do we manage our time better, get more done, cram more into our day? I've found that managing my energy helps me manage my focus which then helps me achieve two things: 1) Make more efficient use of the limited time I have 2) Have more stamina to sustain a higher level of overall output throughout the day I have found that intensive bouts of focus for about 90 mins followed by brief breaks helps me stay focused longer and have more sustainable energy throughout the day so that my last bout of effort is nearly as strong and focused as my first. This is consistent with the theory of ultradian rhythms which are natural 90-120 minute cycles of heightened alertness that are often followed by a subsequent decline in focus and energy. During those breaks, I truly break away. I'll take a walk around the block or pick up a book I'm reading, even if just to read a few pages--anything to provide mental relief from what I was previously doing. Afterwards, I find myself refreshed and better equipped to jump back into my work. Try it out. See if it makes reengaging with your work easier and seamless. I'll bet your creativity and your capacity for problem-solving increases. There's something about a walk around the block that helps put difficult things in perspective and brings creative new light to old problems. Don't worry--the work will still be there when you get back! #performancemanagement #performanceimprovement #executiveleadership #mentalhealth #productivity #healthandwellness

Regular, short movement breaks are powerful. I never realized how much they could sharpen my productivity until I began setting a timer to remind myself to stand up every hour. And I mean truly stand up - walk away from my desk, roll my shoulders back, take deep breaths. I would feel the energy flow back to me and the tension release from my muscles. It's amazing how much better I felt after just a few minutes of movement. It helps me return to my tasks with renewed vigor and inspiration. And I can accomplish more in less time too. Science backs this up. Studies show that movement boosts our mental and creative performance, as well as our physical health. So, I invite you to join me in this simple practice. Every hour, do something that makes you feel good: 🌟 Walk around the building  🌟 Stretch by your desk  🌟 Put on a song for dancing You’ll be amazed by the difference it makes. Movement breaks are not only good for your work, but also for your mind, body, and soul. Move more to live better.

🔋 Feeling drained? Here's a shocker: Relaxing might be the cause of productivity slumps. 🚀 As a productivity fan, I've delved deep into recharging vs. relaxing. The results might blow your mind. You feel drained because of the build-up of stress hormones. Relaxing does not clear your body and brain of them. Relaxing is 💡Passive Downtime: mindless activities like scrolling social media or binge-watching Netflix. They feel good but don't actively recharge your batteries or stimulate your mind. 💡Short-lived: you'll soon be back to battling brain fog and dwindling motivation. You know how hard it is to get off the couch when it's time to go to bed 💡Missed Opportunities: relaxing maintains brain fog & it's hard to see opportunities. That's the "oh crap, how did I miss that!?" feeling you get when hindsight catches up with you. Recharging brings: 🔍Supercharged Focus: it actively refuels your mental tank. It's the feeling of renewed focus and clarity, ready to tackle tasks enthusiastically. 🔍Elevated Creativity: taking an active break gives you space for innovative thoughts and breakthrough solutions. It's the "Wow! I'd better write that down" feeling when the idea unexpectedly pops up. 🔍Heightened Productivity: recharge breaks enhance performance and prevent burnout in the long run. It's that feeling of "I'm ready to do this!" 🤔 So, what is an active recharge break? Anything that will flood your body with the "good" hormones, like dopamine and oxytocin. 🔥 Taking a walk outside. 🔥 Exercise 🔥 Looking at a stimulating view and reflecting a bit 🔥 Meditation. 🔥 Stretching and getting the kinks out 🔥 Stimulating conversations with respected colleagues 🔥 Learning 🌟 Leaders, let's redefine self-care to include recharging. 🚀 Prioritizing intentional breaks to recharge the body and mind skyrockets productivity. _______ I'm Jim. I help Leaders and Companies with Leadership Development Company Culture & Employee Engagement Process Design Strategy Change Management

I used to be the type of person who would just sit at my desk and work until I was too tired to think straight. But I quickly realised that this wasn't sustainable. I was starting to get burned out, and my productivity was suffering. One day, I decided to try something different. I took a break from work and went for a walk around the block.🚶♀️ As I walked, I took some deep breaths and cleared my head. I also thought about the work that I was doing, and I came up with some new ideas.💡 When I returned to work, I felt much better. I was able to focus on my work, and I was able to finish my projects on time.⏰ I was also feeling less stressed, and I had a better outlook on the situation.😌 I've been taking a walk after work ever since, and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's helped me improve my productivity, my creativity, and my overall well-being.🙌 I'm not the only person who swears by the benefits of walking. For example, Jeff Bezos, the CEO of Amazon, says that he walks for at least 30 minutes every day. He believes that walking helps him to clear his head and come up with new ideas.🌳🌤️ If you're looking for a way to improve your productivity, your creativity, and your overall well-being, I highly recommend taking a walk whenever you feel like. It's a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference. A Stanford University study found that walking can improve a person's creative output by up to 60%.📚🚶♂️📈 Here are some specific examples of how walking has helped me: -💡I've been able to come up with new ideas for products and services. -🛠️I've been able to solve problems that I was stuck on. -🧠I've been able to think more clearly and make better decisions. -😊I've been able to reduce stress and improve my overall mood. I'm so glad that I started taking walks. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself, both personally and professionally. 🚶♀️💪 Are you of the same opinion? #Productivity #Creativity #Wellbeing #Walking #ClearYourHead #NewIdeas #ReduceStress #BetterDecisions #PositiveMood

Once in a while, someone on my team will come up to me with a challenge: “I’m stuck.” They may be stressed out about something, thinking too hard, or facing a creative block. My best advice is to do what I’ve done for most of my life: take a break and focus on something else, unrelated to work. That may mean going on a walk, hitting the gym for a quick workout, or calling a friend. As someone with limited time and a lot to accomplish, taking a break can feel hard to do, but it’s important. Even ten minutes can help reduce fatigue, reinvigorate the mind, and spark creativity. What’s most important is that the activity you choose has nothing to do with your job. If you simply switch from one task to the next, you might get more frustrated or go down a different rabbit hole. Do something fun. Do something relaxing. Give yourself a break. This is a big reason why I love exercise and movement in general. Yoga and other routines put my mind on something other than the work I have to do. They challenge me to use other parts of my brain and think differently. Whether it is a long, tough workout or a quick walk around the block….when I return to what I was doing before, I have a better perspective. Studies have also found that this is helpful for learning too - a short break after taking in new information helps with retention. Take breaks often, even if you’re not stuck. It’s how we learn new things, develop insights into the world around us, and get around obstacles in our path.

As you may or may not know by now I have two car seat kids! Although I am all about embracing technology I do not want technology to be the only thing in my children's daily activities. So I decided to place limits on their tablets and laptops. Once the limit has been reached their devices pull up a screen that states "done for the day". This got me thinking... sometimes our brain needs that break as well. Taking regular brain breaks is important for maintaining productivity and mental well-being. Here are five tips on how to have an effective brain break: 1. Set a Schedule: Plan your brain breaks in advance. For example, you could work for 25-30 minutes and then take a 5-10 minute break. This technique, often called the Pomodoro Technique, helps you stay focused and ensures you take regular breaks. 2. Move Your Body: Physical activity is a great way to refresh your mind. Take a short walk, do some stretches, or engage in a quick workout routine. Even a few minutes of exercise can boost your energy levels and improve your cognitive function. 3. Disconnect: During your brain break, disconnect from screens and technology. Step away from your computer, phone, or other devices. Instead, read a book, listen to music, or simply close your eyes and relax. 4. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness techniques can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Spend a few minutes practicing deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises. This can help you return to your tasks with a clearer, more focused mind. 5. Socialize: Interacting with others can be a great way to take your mind off work and relax. Chat with a colleague, a friend, or a family member. Social interactions can provide a mental break and boost your mood. Remember, the key to an effective brain break is to do something that truly refreshes you and takes your mind off work for a short period. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you, and be consistent in taking regular breaks to maintain productivity and mental well-being. #paralegals #wellbeing #lawfirms #attorney #lawyers #legal #law #beyou

I have a confession to make… I was feeling like sh*t the past few weeks. - Stressed - Overwhelmed - Close to burnout Here’s the thing with solopreneurship that nobody talks about... Everyone wants to show how great life is when you strike it out on your own. Hell, I’m guilty of it too (because most times, it’s true). But sometimes… Especially if you battle with mental health issues like I do, life can get hard. It starts to feel heavy. Work is no longer play, it’s a burden. So, instead of having a pity party, I chose (positive) action. I made the intentional decision to change my normal routine. Instead of going back to work on the biz after lunch, I took a walk outside. I realized I have access to gifts I often neglect: - The sun is shinning - It’s 75 degrees outside - I’m surrounded by nature So, I put in my AirPods, laced up my Hokas, started Endel, and went on a walk. - No phone calls - No notifications - Just being in the moment After just 30 minutes: - I felt inspired - I felt creative - I felt happy! It was such a small choice, but it made a big impact. That’s the funny thing about high quality behaviors… They can be as simple as ABC: - (A)nchor moment: “After I finish lunch” - (B)ehavior: “I put on my Hokas and walk outside” - (C)elebrate: “I smile (and take a selfie for LinkedIn)” Remember: Being a seller, entrepreneur, creator, or job seeker (the list goes on)... It can take a toll on your mental health. It's stressful doing hard things. But ultimately, we're humans first and professionals second. Don’t forget to take intentional breaks throughout the day to disrupt the negative cycle of bad news, the mundane grind, or limiting self-talk. The breaks will have a major impact on your overall mood. And when you feel good, you perform better. Plus… 🐝s are meant to be in nature! All that to say…there's a lot going on. How will you take a small moment to “shine” today? #StressAwareness