Break Time!

Taking a break is a necessary part of productivity. Committed workaholics would disagree, but not only do we risk mental burnout, but we need moments to take a step back and take a look at where we’re going.

There’s a thoughtful rule I read about recently called the 48/12 rule. It advises that you should work hard for 48 minutes, and then take 12 minutes of rest. Most often, when we get busy at work and feel that ominous feeling of tediousness set in, we often start to move towards Facebook or other related brain drain. Facebook isn’t bad, but it can waste a lot of time and energy. These days, I can’t get past 3 posts without it being about someone being upset at someone else or organization and posting links about it.

Honestly, I miss when Facebook was more about communicating between friends than being a rant/news outlet for people. I do understand that Facebook is a major platform for people to share their opinions, so I’m not surprised things are the way they’ve become. Regardless, it wastes a lot of energy and when you’re getting pulled in by emotionally charged material – break time then loses its value in being a time to freshen up and feel sharp before diving back into work.

After taking a break, it’s helpful to finish whatever task we’ve been working on. If we switch tasks, our brain has to reset and change gears, bringing us stress – especially true if a project is left incomplete. Scheduling a time to see a project through is helpful. If a project is too big, then a schedule time or chunking the project up into reasonable sections would put one’s mind at ease.

It’s easy to feel OCD and like you should always be working – society makes a big push toward the “busy is better” mindset. We do need to take breaks, zone out to music, or take a walk outside. We’re all too over-stimulated and it’s hard to see above the water or think clearly with a clouded mind. Often the best creative thoughts come when our minds are not forcing results – they should come naturally or we’ll force something artificial to take the place of something that would have been better suited.

The 48/12 rule is just a thought. We all work differently and have varying degrees to which we work well, and need to take a break. Regardless of what works best for us, break time should consist of relaxation and refreshing ourselves – not further stimulating through distractions.

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