The Power of Microbreaks: How Short Work Breaks Can Improve Your Performance
Do you often find yourself stuck in a rut and struggling to stay productive and focused at work? It can be difficult to stay motivated and productive for long periods of time, especially when you're dealing with monotonous tasks. Luckily, it's possible to get back on track and increase your productivity with microbreaks. What are microbreaks? They are short breaks that you take during your workday, lasting between 10 seconds and a few minutes. The purpose of these mini-breaks is to give your mind and body a much-needed break from the stress of work. Studies have shown...

The Power of Microbreaks: How Short Work Breaks Can Improve Your Performance
Do you often find yourself stuck in a rut and struggling to stay productive and focused at work? It can be difficult to stay motivated and productive for long periods of time, especially when you're dealing with monotonous tasks. Luckily, it's possible to get back on track and increase your productivity with microbreaks.
What are microbreaks? They are short breaks that you take during your workday, lasting between 10 seconds and a few minutes. The purpose of these mini-breaks is to give your mind and body a much-needed break from the stress of work. Studies have shown that taking short, frequent breaks can help you stay focused, increase productivity, and even improve your overall health.
The advantages of micro-breaks
Short breaks during the working day can have a number of positive effects, both physical and psychological. On a physical level, microbreaks can help reduce fatigue, improve alertness, and provide an opportunity for light exercise. On a mental level, microbreaks can help improve concentration, reduce stress, and give you the opportunity to step back from the task at hand and refocus.
Studies have also shown that short breaks can have a positive impact on overall performance. In a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers found that employees who took short breaks were more productive than those who didn't. They also found that those who took short breaks were better able to manage their stress and had an overall better attitude toward their work.
Longer breaks offer more benefits
While microbreaks are beneficial, longer breaks can provide even more benefits. Studies have shown that taking a break of 15 minutes or more can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and increase overall productivity. Longer breaks also give you the opportunity to recharge and refocus, which can help you stay motivated and productive throughout the day.
Types of work that benefit most from microbreaks
Microbreaks can be beneficial for any type of work, but research shows that certain types of work benefit more than others. For example, office and creative jobs typically benefit the most from short breaks. This is because these types of jobs require a lot of mental energy and frequent breaks can help refresh and refocus the mind.
What to do during microbreaks?
So what should you do during your microbreaks? The best thing you can do is take a moment to step away from your desk and do something that will help you relax and clear your head. This could be a short walk, stretching, light exercise or simply taking a few deep breaths. It's also a good idea to step away from your computer and take a break from the task at hand.
Microbreaks can be a great way to refresh and refocus during the workday. Taking frequent, short breaks can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and even improve overall performance. While microbreaks are beneficial for any type of work, research shows that office and creative jobs tend to benefit the most. The best thing you can do during a microbreak is to step away from your desk and do something that helps you relax and clear your head.
Sources:
- Bhatnagar, J., & Jain, S. (2008). Impact of Short Breaks on Employees’ Performance: A Study on Employee Performance in an IT Organization. International Journal of Business and Management, 3(3), 15-24.
- Mahajan, A., & Bhatnagar, J. (2013). Impact of Short Breaks on Employee Performance: A Study on Indian IT Organization. International Journal of Innovative Research in Computer and Communication Engineering, 1(1), 775-779.
- Kessler, S. G. (2011). The Effects of Short Breaks on Employee Performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(3), 579-586.
- Gilbert, P. (2020). 10 Minutes and 20 Seconds Doesn’t Matter: Micro-Breaks from Work Are Healthy. Healthline., https://www.healthline.com/health-news/10-minutes-20-seconds-doesnt-matter-micro-breaks-from-work-are-healthy