5 productive things to do during your break that will reduce distraction

I have mentioned in many of my blogs that taking breaks during work is very important.

Suggested reading: 5 ways to be more productive!

But you can’t just stare at your ceiling for 10 minutes straight, can you? The reason we take breaks is to freshen up our minds so we can get more productive.

So it’s important to do things that don’t completely distract you. Be honest, most of the time, your 10 minutes break turns into a 30 minutes or 1 hour break, doesn't it?

We need to avoid that, such occurrences will not only waste your time, but when you finally go back to work, you will be completely confused and distracted.

In this blog I will list 5 productive things to do during your break that will boost your productivity and even describe the pomodoro principle!

What is the pomodoro principle?

The Pomodoro Technique is a time management system that encourages people to work with the time they have, rather than against it. 

Using this method, you break your workday into 25-minute chunks separated by five-minute breaks. 

These intervals are referred to as pomodoros. After about four pomodoros, you take a longer break of about 15 to 20 minutes.

Productive things to do during your break

1. Listen to a Guided Meditation: 

There are plenty of 10-15 minute meditations that allow you to trigger your creativity, let go of muscle tension and take your mind off the work at hand. 

All you have to do is put on a headset, close your eyes and enjoy peace and relaxation even in the midst of work chaos.

2. Share Your Break with a Coworker:

Alone, you might not always have the strength to pull yourself away from the computer, but if you have a friend taking breaks with you, it is much easier to stick with your break routine. 

In addition, it offers a great opportunity to bond with your colleagues and get to know them better.

3. Close Your Eyes and Take 10 Deep Breaths:

Stand up and walk away from your desk. Find a quiet place, where you can sit down, close your eyes, smile to yourself and take a few deep breaths. 

Imagine tension, stress and anxiety leaving your body as you breathe out, and peacefulness, positivity and relaxation filling your mind with every breath that you take.

4. Try People-Gazing:

Watching people walking down the street, chatting in a nearby café, and driving by, is meditation in itself. 

In addition, looking outside the window helps to take the strain off the eyes.

5. Read a Magazine or a Book:

Pick a read that has nothing to do with your area of work or the latest news. 

Give your brain the pleasure of not thinking, being stressed or making decisions.

Final Thoughts:

Taking breaks during is important, but if you could utilise your break and do even one of these things, you’ll freshen up and not be distracted when you go back! 

If not, then even just a walk with your dog, a friend or even yourself would do wonders! 

Just make sure not to use electronics during your break, because one you start watching videos or playing games, you won't be able to stop for a while.