Take Small Breaks for Big Gains and Power Your Productivity in Minutes
- Brainz Magazine
- Jun 12
- 5 min read
Bronwen Sciortino is an International Author and Simplicity Expert who spent almost two decades as an award-winning executive before experiencing a life-changing event that forced her to stop and ask the question, ‘What if there’s a better way to live?
Staring at your screen, fighting through fatigue, does this sound familiar? It’s easy to think that pushing through without taking breaks shows how committed you are. But what if I told you that pushing harder doesn’t always lead to better results?
Instead of powering through exhaustion, you could give your brain a break. Small moments of rest throughout your day can do wonders for your focus, energy, and overall productivity. Taking just a few minutes to step away from your work can reset your mind and give you a fresh perspective.
Think about it: You’re working on a challenging task, but your brain feels sluggish. It’s tempting to power through, but that’s when mistakes happen, creativity stalls, and motivation takes a deep dive.
At the other end of the spectrum, taking a quick break can realise immediate benefits: when you take a few minutes of fresh air or a short walk, your focus is magically restored. You come back sharper, ready to tackle your next task with renewed energy. These small breaks don’t just clear your mind; they power your productivity. Instead of draining yourself with long, unbroken hours, you’ll find that a few moments of rest can give you more than enough energy to keep going strong.
Over time, regular breaks don’t just help with daily productivity; they also improve your long-term performance.
Constantly working without breaks can lead to burnout, which in turn leads to slower work and less creativity. But by incorporating small breaks throughout your day, you give your brain the chance to reset and replenish its mental energy. This prevents fatigue from building up and keeps you in peak condition.
Think of these breaks as a way to fuel your mind, ensuring you maintain a high level of performance all day long. It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing things smarter. With the right balance of focused work and short, restorative breaks, your productivity will soar.
8 simple things you can do to give your brain break
1. Take a 5-minute walk
A walk works wonders for clearing your mind. Step away from your desk for a quick stroll around the block or down the hall. Walking boosts blood flow to your brain, refreshing your mental state. You’ll return to your work sharper, more focused, and ready to tackle the next task. This small break clears your head and gives you a burst of energy that keeps you going without burning out.
2. Close your eyes and breathe
Take a few moments to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and focus. Deep breathing slows your heart rate and melts away tension. It reduces stress and gives your mind the break it needs to reset. After just five minutes, you’ll feel calmer, clearer, and more focused when you return to work. This quick reset allows you to continue your day feeling refreshed and energized.
3. Stretch your body
Stretching isn’t just for athletes. After long hours of sitting, your body stiffens and your focus slips. Take a few minutes to stretch your arms, back, and legs. It releases tension, improves blood flow, and boosts focus. When you return to work, you’ll feel more comfortable and energized, ready to dive back into tasks without feeling drained.
4. Go outside for fresh air
Step outside for a few minutes. The fresh air and natural light help clear your mind. It’s a simple way to lower stress, boost mood, and refresh your brain. Even a short moment outdoors makes you feel more alert, giving you the energy to return to your work and stay focused the rest of the day.
5. Listen to music
Music can shift your mental state in minutes. Take a break, pop in your earbuds or strap on your headphones, and listen to your favourite calming or upbeat tunes. Music helps reset your mind, freeing you from task overload. After just a few minutes, you’ll feel more energized and creative, ready to dive back into your work.
6. Daydream for a few minutes
Let your mind wander for a few minutes. Daydreaming is your brain’s way of processing information. It’s a quick mental reset that boosts creativity and problem-solving. After a short break, you’ll return to work with fresh ideas and sharper focus.
7. Take a power nap
A quick nap is one of the best ways to reset your brain. Rest for 10 to 15 minutes to feel refreshed and clear-headed. Napping helps with focus and memory, giving you a burst of energy that lasts for hours. It’s a simple and effective way to combat brain fog and fatigue without losing time.
8. Drink water
Dehydration causes brain fog and fatigue. Drinking water helps clear your mind and boosts your focus. A glass of water can give you the mental boost you need to keep going. Stay hydrated throughout the day to prevent sluggishness and improve performance.
Small breaks don’t just feel good, they supercharge your productivity
Short brain breaks don’t just prevent fatigue, they enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving ability. What’s more, taking a break gives you the space to refocus on your priorities.
After stepping away, you’re often able to see tasks in a new light and you will often find that you may solve problems faster or come up with better ideas. Small breaks keep your momentum going, allowing you to stay productive without feeling drained. They help you get more done, with less mental effort, all while improving your overall well-being.
Taking small breaks isn’t just a way to pass time; it’s a strategy that fuels your success. When you take a few minutes to rest, you’re recharging your mind and body for the tasks ahead. This simple shift helps you maintain high levels of energy and focus, all day long.
By integrating these small breaks into your routine, you’ll boost your performance and achieve more with less effort.
So, think small when it comes to giving your brain a break; it’s the strategic superpower that will change the way you think, feel and experience the world every day.
Bronwen Sciortino is a Simplicity Expert, Professional Speaker, and an internationally renowned author. You can follow her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
Bronwen Sciortino, International Author & Simplicity Expert
Bronwen Sciortino is an International Author and Simplicity Expert who spent almost two decades as an award-winning executive before experiencing a life-changing event that forced her to stop and ask the question, ‘What if there’s a better way to live?’ Embarking on a journey to answer this question, Bronwen developed a whole new way of living, one that teaches you to challenge the status quo and include the power of questions in everyday life. Gaining international critical acclaim and 5-star awards for her books and online programs,
Bronwen spends every day teaching people that there is an easy, practical, and simple pathway to creating a healthy, happy, and highly successful life. Sourced globally for media comment as an expert and working with corporate programs, conference platforms, retreats, professional mentoring and in the online environment, Bronwen teaches people how easy it is to live life very differently.
