Research suggest that not taking breaks can
- hurt productivity
- lead to burn out
How often?
- Aim at a 15 minute break for every 90 minutes of work
- The lunch break should be longer
- Take a break more frequently than suggested above if you experience that not taking a break hurts your productivity
- Become aware of the cues that suggest you need a break
- Experiment and find out what is ideal for you in the context of making you as productive as you can be
- In meetings, try to take a 5 minute break every hour.
Tips on what to do or not do during breaks
- Do anything but work
- Stay away from screens
- Move your body
- Shift your attention - use another part of the brain than the task you just did required.
- Give yourself premission not to consentrate on anything
Source: When, How, and How Often to Take a Break