The Power of Microbreaks
You know that feeling when you’re deep into work, and hours fly by until suddenly you hit a wall? It turns out, taking intentional five-minute breaks throughout the day can keep your mind sharp and your stress in check. These quick pauses or microbreaks tap into the way our brains naturally work, helping us refresh focus and even sparking creativity.
Here’s why it works: our brains can only stay deeply focused for about 90 minutes before they start losing steam. Research shows that short breaks in between work sessions help reset that focus, and can reduce both mental fatigue and stress. A simple five-minute break can boost your mood, bring a fresh perspective, and even enhance problem-solving.
For a great microbreak, keep it simple and avoid anything that overstimulates your brain. Here are a few ideas that give you a mental boost without fully breaking your workflow:
Quick Stretches – A few desk stretches, like reaching overhead or doing shoulder rolls, can wake up tired muscles. Even standing up for a couple of minutes shakes off the stiffness from sitting.
Deep Breathing – Try a few rounds of deep breathing. Inhale for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This helps you release tension, focus your mind, and feel more grounded.
Light Mental Exercises – Engage in something small but refreshing, like a brain teaser or a quick doodle. Shifting to a different mental activity provides a nice reset.
Look Away from Screens – Let your eyes rest by looking out a window or focusing on a distant object. This is especially helpful for reducing eye strain and clearing mental clutter.
If you’re working from a coworking space like FoundrSpace, try a quick walk around, grab a coffee, or step into a different area to get a fresh perspective. Small pauses like these can be game-changers, giving you the energy to finish strong instead of dragging through the day. Try a few microbreaks throughout your next workday and notice how much fresher and more productive you feel!
