Brain Breaks to Increase Energy and Productivity

Do you find yourself wanting to be MORE PRODUCTIVE and feel more ENERGY? Do you want to squeeze the most from each day by being your best self and by putting your best foot forward? What if I told you that brain breaks are your answer.

Brain breaks are usually thought of for kids, but immensely important for adults. Research shows that a quick 2-3 minute break every 60 minutes releases stress and increases energy and productivity. Even if you love the work you do, you may find yourself getting tired and trying to push through tasks thinking that you are going to get more done if you just keep going. The truth is, by sticking with the task for longer than an hour, you become LESS PRODUCTIVE and your energy fades. Pushing through increases stress and contributes to poor posture. So lets do better! Here's how!

Every 60 minutes throughout your work day, set a timer (if you need to) and GET UP! Take a quick walk around your workplace, grab a quick drink of water and sit back down, take 4 or 5 deep breaths and set your mind on the task ahead. Visualize what you want to get done. Then focus and be productive. AVOID email. This is your time to CHECK OUT and refresh!

You may not do it every hour at first, but aim for 3 times a day and work into it. I promise you will feel less stress and more rejuvenated and able to conquer all the tasks! The difference will be your energy level. Want more energy? Do this!!! You will also feel happier too!

The Release Method

I also use the release method that I learned from Brendon Burchard when needing a break or transitioning into new parts of my day. It goes a little something like this…

When you are taking a quick brain break, take time to stop and breathe. Take 4 slow, deep breaths breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Close your eyes and as you breathe out, repeat the word release. It is amazing how just repeating that word makes your shoulders drop and your stress level decrease.

I do this just before I get out of my car before heading into work in the morning or when heating my lunch. It also works well after you have pulled into the driveway and get ready to head into the house for the evening. This technique helps you leave work at work and open your mind to be completely focused and present at home. You will be surprised at how well this works.

In the Classroom: Schedule brain breaks for you and your kids alike! I have them written in my daily schedule on the board. (so the kids hold me accountable) If we aren't moving every hour, I schedule movement and meditation. Our FAVORITE is www.gonoodle.com! We do something active and then we do a FLOW meditation to get focused again!

Now, get after it! Build in brain breaks and feel your energy go through the roof! Cheers to a productive week!