10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Breaks

Over the last few weeks I have been sharing a more indepth look at 21 Productivity Tips that have drastically changed the way I work. These tips are based on research I did a few months ago and my implementation of them since that time. To read the original post on these tips you can check out:21 Ways that Make You More Productive and Create Massive MarginOver the last month, can you think back to what your work hours have been?

Have you been settling into the traditionalmedium. comMy last post we talked about breaking up your workday into 6090 minutes chunks and taking short breaks in between those chunks. Today, I want to share a few positive ways to use those breaks.

Making those short times work for you and not against you. Break Activities Are Not Created EqualOver the last few months, I have found when I take a break I do not always do the BEST things during these times. I used to think I could take a break and do anything and it wouldnt affect my work product.

What I found though is drastically different. Before, I might just sit back in my cubicle and flip through Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook for five minutes. After a while, I would end up down the Social Media Rabbit Hole, and start wasting more than five minutes time.

Other times, I might go to the breakroom for coffee or water, and swing by a coworkers desk to chat about something. Thirty minutes later, I lost out on some very productive work.What I have learned is similar to the entirety of these tips.

I need to have a predetermined plan. We are not going to thrive in our productivity if we are going waste the moments that recharge our batteries. We need to use these times to the fullest to be able to come back and do a lot of great work.

10 Activities to Make the Most of Your BreaksHydrateAs I write this, I feel a wave of quilt sweep over me. This has only been a break activity to which I have started doing in the last couple of weeks. Before, I might just get coffee at every little break and dehydrate myself to the point of headaches and muscle spasims.

However, I have found when I drink the amount of water I should be drinking in a day, I am more productive and less stressed. Take five minutes and get a glass of water. Go for a WalkAs the weather has become more agreeable for going outside, I have started taking a few laps around my office building for my breaks.

I am finding the quick walks I am taking are waking me up after more taxing tasks I complete during the day. And it is good to get moving around since my work is mainly in a cubicle. Go for a walk to wake up.

Eat a SMALL SnackSometimes, when we are getting low energy in the office, its best to have a little snack. I keep a few things at my desk for snacks throughout the day. I have found something with a high level of protein helps keep me feel full so I dont get distracted with being hungry.

However, I do keep a bag of lemon drops in my desk to keep me from going for a candy bar or a treat.Read a BookWhat I have found is for an extended break, I can pull out a book and spend about 15 minutes reading. Most of the time, I will read something light.

Fiction or a less brainy book to help my brain take in something creative. This helps my brain recharge from the difficult tasks I do. It also gives me some time in the afternoon to relax if the morning has been stressful.

Clean Your WorkspaceOver the next few months, we are going to be changing office spaces for work. And while we have some time, I have started to clean out my workspace a little at a time. What I have found is this is a very therapeutic activity.

Especially, if I have had a tough task or phone call. Getting rid a few things here or there or filing them away just makes my workspace feel less cluttered.Go for a Coffee RunThis activity takes a little longer, however, I tend to try and go for a coffee fun with coworkers a couple of times a week.

It helps me get to know my coworkers and give focused interaction. These interactions help reduce the potential distractions later in the day. And you get to have a pick me up with your local cup coffee.

Listen to a Podcast or AudiobookIn the afternoons, when I am almost done with my work, sometimes I take a quick break to list to an audiobook or podcast to energize my thinking. Even for five minutes it gives me some time to refresh my thinking to make it through the last few tasks.Read A Bible StoryA little spiritual enlightenment can go a long way throughout the day.

Taking five to ten minutes and reading the Bible can give you some spiritual insight to a seemingly normal, non-spiritual day. My best time to do this is in the morning. Right before I dive into a difficult task.

Make a Phone CallThough I am on the phone a lot for work, sometimes I have phone calls to make to take care of things for my family. What I will do is step into a conference room and make the call. Get it out of the way, and make sure it gets done.

It helps me take care of important things for my family and gets me away from work tasks.Read an Inspiring Article or StoryI have four or five magazines I keep at my desk. They range from sports to home and garden to business and writing.

When I hit an afternoon where I need a little pick me up for my thinking and emotions I look to these magazines to find and inspiring story. These help pick up my thought life and encourage me to power through the rest of the day.Ultimately, breaks are to recharge our batteries.

They give us the ability to get work done without burning ourselves out throughout the day. When we use our breaks to help us be productive, we are able to create more margin for the rest of our lives. When we can create more margin, we tend to be less stressed and unhappy.

So next time you decide to take a break, tap into one of these ten break ideas. And build into your productivity.RespondWhat are some things you do for your breaks?

Are any of these helpful? Share in the responses below.Stay Updated on My 21 Productivity TipsAs I continue to share about the productivity tips I have been using to increase my productivity and margin, I have been organizing them in this series, check out the other posts:21 Productivity Tips You Can Use Now3 AM, Saturdaymedium.

comIf you missed my last post, check it out here:Breaking Up Your Work Will Build Up Your ProductivityWhy You Need to Step Away and How It Helps Your