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We already discussed the benefits of taking breaks in an earlier blog post, but did you know that taking breaks has a huge effect on your employees’ brains?
Just like an athlete who needs to rest after every physical effort, the brain needs rest after mental effort. Did you know our brains have a maximum span of 40 minutes, regardless of education level and IQ? Conclusion: regular rest is important.
When we work, we exhaust the part of our brain responsible for mental functions and our mental capacity: the frontal lobe.
The frontal lobe is responsible for decision-making, problem-solving thinking, planning, social behavior... It enables us to make connections and gain insights and is therefore a vital organ for mental functions to operate.
When we work, insights and data accumulate in the brain. It is only by taking regular breaks that this data is processed and stored. Moreover, working (too) long causes a substance to build up in the brain that triggers stress. Only when our brains get a break and can let go for a moment do they get the breathing room needed to process all insights and data and neutralize the stress chemicals. The result is that you make space again for new (creative) ideas and allow your mental functions to operate optimally.
You’ve probably experienced getting stuck on a problem, only to have the answer magically form later. That’s when you realize that taking strategic breaks helps gain new insights. The frontal lobe is also responsible, as mentioned earlier, for problem-solving thinking. So give it enough rest and oxygen to allow solutions to develop.
Long story short: make sure your employees occasionally ‘reset’ their brains, but how much time does that actually take?
Research shows that – aside from the lunch break – a 10-15 minute break already increases concentration and creativity. However, this time can vary per individual. That’s why we recommend experimenting yourself to find the ideal balance between effort and relaxation. Encourage your employees to take breaks and track which breaks boost creativity, motivation, and productivity.
Still looking for inspiration? Check out our blog post on this topic!
Discover 10 ideas for a quality break at work >>>