In a world that is hyper-connected, maintaining focus could sometimes seem like a herculean task, with buzzing notifications and sirens of social media that lures us towards our phones, our attention spans are under threat. However, what if I tell you that the solution is not in pushing away all the distractions, rather it is in planned disconnections. 

This blog will teach you how to take strategic tech breaks to improve your productivity. 

Why Is It Important?

Our brain is wired for maintaining a short span for focused attention. However, this is further fragmented as we go between checking emails, social media and texts. This leads to lack of creativity, increased errors and eventually decreased productivity. Tech breaks can improve your mental battery and recharge your energy to get back to work. 

Building a Routine for Tech-Breaks

Pomodoro technique: This technique demands working for 25 minutes and taking 5 minute breaks. This time can be utilized to move around, do a light stretch or simply close your eyes for a few minutes for mental refreshment. Pomodoro websites are also available if you require an aesthetic screen and white noises to cancel out your distractions. 

Photo by  Boitumelo Team  on  Unsplash

Schedule DND: Keep aside certain hours in your calendar where you turn off the notifications and put your phone away to focus on a high priority task at hand. This results in undivided attention to a task. 

Embrace nature’s power: During the short breaks, you can take a walk outside. This can provide a relief to your eyes, cognitive functions as well as reduce stress. Let the sunlight and fresh air do its magic on you. 

Photo by  Arek Adeoye Team  on  Unsplash

Mindfulness activities: Engaging in mindfulness activities can do wonders. A short two minute meditation by taking deep breaths and focusing on your bodily sensations can improve focus and regulate emotions. 

Exercise: By this I do not mean lifting weights, rather do a light stretch or walk to improve blood flow to the brain and alertness. This will help you return to work feeling more energized and ready to face those challenges. 

Photo by  Scott Broome Team  on  Unsplash

Beyond the Breaks: Building a Tech-Healthy Work Environment

Tech breaks can prove to be more helpful if you can further create a work culture that is healthy. Here are some ways to help you create that:

Communicate: Let your peers or colleagues know when you are in a focused state and avoid interruptions that are not important. 

Be the example: Constantly checking your phone can lead to others feeling the pressure to check their phones as well. Take needed amount of breaks, turn off the notifications and model focused work for others as well. 

Remember that the key to focus is not to eliminate all distractions around you rather it is in building a strategy to disconnect with them so as to get the necessary and important works done. Taking these breaks does not make you lazy rather it will lead to more productivity as you utilize your energy and focus effectively. By incorporating these techniques, you will be surprised to find out how much work you can get done while remaining calm and feeling more in control. So disconnect to reconnect with your most productive self!

Photo by  Wes Hicks Team  on  Unsplash

Still Feeling Burn Out?  Heart It out Can Help You!

We at Heart It Out also provide a safe space for you to deal with your tech overload. While the external symptoms can be tackled using these techniques, there is also some underlying anxiety behind your struggles that needs to be addressed. 

Our team of experts can help you cope with this distress and the symptoms of burn out with better support and guidance. Connect with us to find out more! 

Take care and Heart It Out with us! ❤️