In today’s world of work, there is a lot of talk about productivity and the importance of increasing productivity to maximize profits for companies and workers. Whether due to professional pressure or personal willpower, more and more people are choosing not to stop, eat in front of the computer, or eliminate breaks in order to finish faster. But science supports the opposite. Rest is essential to increase productivity.
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Rest has been sacrificed in favor of false productivity, either out of fear of appearing unengaged or to reinforce a work culture. However, those few minutes of pause can make or break your performance. Working long hours without interruption causes physical and mental fatigue, reduces efficiency, and increases stress levels.
Olivia Lems, a professor and researcher at the University of Cambridge, shared strategies for improving work performance and highlighted the importance of short breaks.
— much better than working long hours without a break — she says.
According to Lemes, the most productive people work for about 52 minutes straight, then take a 17-minute break.
— One tip is to use the 52-17 rule while working. This is based on groundbreaking research that showed the most productive people work for about 52 minutes straight, followed by a 17-minute break. So basically, work for about an hour, take a short break, and repeat the cycle – experts explain.
Another recommendation from experts concerns the use of technology. Remes explains that professionals completely “disconnect” from technology every time they take a break. There, they could relax and rest.
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— They stepped away from their computers, didn’t respond to emails, didn’t check their phones — he comments.
Another strategy is to choose the emotion you want to focus on.
— Suppose you have a new project. But you don’t feel like starting because it’s difficult or you have an aversion to a certain task. Rather than focusing on negative emotions such as disgust, frustration, or stress, choose to focus on other emotions you may be feeling at the same time. Remes explains that it’s a feeling of wanting to succeed, learn something new, or expand your horizons.
Lems places great importance on the emotional state of employees when considering professional performance, emphasizing that: — The truth is that we all have an inner panorama full of different emotions at any given moment, and we can choose which ones we want to focus on. This not only makes it easier to approach your work, but it also makes the work itself more meaningful.
Finally, experts recommended seeking help if needed.
— If at any point you are having difficulty and feel like you need more support, don’t hesitate to ask for help. That’s what university tutors and supervisors are here for, he concludes.
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