To become a successful remote worker, you must make the most out of your hours for productivity. The better you do this, the more clients you can serve. (The more you can earn as well.)
But we all have our limits and some people forget to take breaks, thus leading to burnout.
According to studies, purposeful breaks can help you be more productive versus working non-stop.
These refresh your brain and can improve your concentration for the succeeding hours.
Also, it helps to learn how to utilize your diffused and focused modes of thinking, as doing so is scientifically proven to result in peak productivity.
So how do you do that? Here are 7 tips to take productive breaks while working remotely.
Schedule your Breaks
We schedule meetings, appointments, deep work, and more. But why don’t we schedule our breaks as well?
You can set up time blocks, where you will intentionally stop working.
You can also use the Pomodoro technique, which lets you take short breaks after 25-min bursts of productivity.
You will be surprised at how these small breaks can impact your quality of work – and the quality of your life as well.
Step Away From Your Workspace When Taking Breaks
Most associate their workspace with tasks, deadlines, and, sometimes, stress.
So when you take a break at your workstation, you don’t feel as relaxed.
A solution is to step away from your workspace when resting. You can transfer to your living room, or maybe your porch if you have one.
This change of scenery can shift your focus on resting so you’re not reminded of your deliverables.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
When we’re too focused on work, we forget to drink water for long periods of time.
Address this by hydrating accordingly during your breaks. This can improve your brain function, energy levels, and even improve your mood when you go back to your tasks.
Practice Niksen, the Art of Doing Nothing
Some highly-productive individuals feel guilty when they don’t do anything. But did you know that doing nothing can actually help you?
It’s exemplified by the Dutch concept, Niksen, which means “to do nothing or to be idle without any use.”
It’s the practice of intentionally embracing moments without specific goals or tasks.
It can relieve you of stress, increase creativity, and induce better mental clarity.
You can achieve this either through a full-on vacation or by just sitting down in your living room and doing nothing for a bit.
But it’s best to schedule your Niksen efforts after work or during your weekends so that it won’t affect your daily tasks.
(Important: “Niksen” isn’t an excuse to be lazy.)
Pursue a Hobby
Does your work feel too monotonous? Well, you can pursue a new hobby during your breaks.
It’s not a waste of time because it stimulates your thinking, improves your work-life balance, and enhances happiness.
And multiple studies have shown that hobbies make you more productive, focused, and creative at work.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
If you have access to nature, you can try walking in the great outdoors during your breaks.
Multiple studies prove that spending time amidst nature can increase productivity, reduce stress levels, and improve creativity.
It can even help reduce anxiety and boost short-term memory.
Practice Mindfulness
Lastly, mindfulness can make your breaks more productive. It’s essentially about being aware of the present moment.
It’s intentionally observing your thoughts, emotions, surroundings, and bodily sensations without judgment.
This way, it’s easier to let go of anxieties and stress, allowing you to be more focused on your tasks afterwards.
You can check this link for ways to practice mindful productivity when working remotely.
Looking for a remote job that’ll allow you to take more productive breaks? Sign up with Remote Staff today!
And with the tips above, you can balance being productive while taking much-needed productive breaks for your remote working career.
Sign up today!
