What You Should Do When Your Mind Needs a Break

It’s the middle of the day and you haven’t gotten anything done.

For whatever reason, you can’t concentrate on your work.

You try to drink more coffee and you even close your eyes for a few seconds, but nothing works.

New assignments are thrown onto your desk and your stress levels start to build at a rapid pace.

We’ve all had those days where you can’t focus on anything, no matter what you do.

This is your mind telling you that you need to take a break.

Breaks are essential for productivity.

I know that this might sound backwards, but it has been proven that your mind can concentrate at full capacity for only 90 minutes at a time.

Sitting at a desk and working for eight hours straight is simply not plausible.

Also read these Ferris Bueller quotes on taking a day off.

There are a few ways you can utilize your breaks so your mind doesn’t burn out by the middle of the day.

Listen to Music

Productivity increases when stress is reduced, and there are very few stress relievers that are better than music.

It has been proven that music can decrease stress and anxiety, reduce burnout and improve your mood.

If you are at work and need to take a break, you might not want to make a scene by leaving the office or doing jumping jacks at your desk.

It’s much easier to pop in headphones and jam out to your favorite tunes.

Watch an Episode of Your Favorite TV Show

You can really relax your mind by watching an episode of your favorite TV show.

You have to be careful here, since it is way too easy to watch an entire series in today’s world of instant streaming.

Television shows can act as a great stress reliever, especially a 30-minute comedy where you can mentally check out and just enjoy the entertainment.

Half an hour is enough time for your mind to recharge and be ready to be productive.

Read a Book

If you have a book that you enjoy, then take time out of your workday to read a chapter.

You are still working your brain by using the creative and imaginative parts, but getting lost in a compelling story can take you away from work.

Books can also be used as stress relievers, because for a few moments you get lost in the world that the author creates.

Reading will have your mind maintain its focus while not worrying about work.

Meditate

When you see the word meditation, you might think of a cartoon sensei sitting cross-legged underneath a waterfall.

However, meditation is very simple and it’s something you can do at your desk.

The goal of meditation is to clear your mind.

The easiest way to do this is to focus on your breath.

Concentrate on the air entering and leaving the body, and don’t let your mind wander.

Meditation is difficult at first, but you will get better as you do it more often.

Meditation offers many benefits such as improving focus and memory, recharging your mind and relieving stress.

Exercise

Studies have proven that exercise increases cognitive ability in people of all ages.

Exercise is also a great stress reliever and can help you clear your mind.

It’s a great way to get out of the office and take a break.

Going for a 20-minute walk or run is enough to improve your productivity. Lifting weights can also act as a great stress reliever.

Take a Trip Around Town

A great way to take your mind off of work is to leave the office and take a trip around town.

You can take a walk, drive your car or have someone else drive you.

You can even take a longer break and opt for a staycation.

It’s a great way to recharge your batteries without springing for an expensive getaway.

Seeing different parts of your town or city can excite you and give you a much-needed energy boost.

You can meet new people and really take your mind off work.

Breaks aren’t just a small privilege that we have.

They are a necessity to being as productive and efficient as possible.

Use your breaks wisely and recharge your mind so you can return to work at full capacity.