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Title: Research Proves Your Brain Needs Breaks Authors: microsoft.com Category:articles Number of Highlights: 8 Source URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index/brain-research Date: 2022-11-29 Last Highlighted: 2022-11-29
Highlights
Back-to-back virtual meetings are stressful. But the research also points to a simple remedy—short breaks.
Breaks between meetings allow the brain to “reset,” reducing a cumulative buildup of stress across meetings.
Back-to-back meetings can decrease your ability to focus and engage.
Tags:work
Transitioning between meetings can be a source of high stress.
If you’re using the new setting in Outlook to build in break times between meetings, consider stepping away from your computer. “Try not to use that five or 10 minutes to squeeze in some other kind of work,” Bohan says. “Catch your breath and take a break away from your screen.”
Shift your mindset. While it might feel more productive to power through back-to-backs, research shows the opposite is true. View breaks away from your computer as an essential part of your workday.
Find break activities that calm your mind. Meditation is one effective way to relax and recharge between meetings, but other studies show that physical activity such as walking is also beneficial.
Create even more time for breaks by considering other modes of communication. Before scheduling a video call, pause and ask yourself: Do we really need a meeting on this issue? More dynamic, creative, or emotional topics may require a meeting, while status check ins and informational subjects may benefit from document collaboration, a Teams channel, or email. Other simple tasks may be handled via chat.