Why are breaks important? Why should you take them?

It’s summer. It’s the middle of July! When the heat is on and the pool is calling our name, it makes it even more challenging to stay focused, much less creative or productive. Our suggestion? Take a break! 

A Forbes article written by Jack Kelly, CEO of WeCruitr, founder, and executive recruiter, states, “It’s been proven that people work best when they have control over their schedules. They are happier and can organize their days around their biorhythms, chores, home responsibilities, and hobbies. It’s likely that they’ll actually spend more time working and their productivity will be enhanced.”  

At Twoline, whether we are taking a moment to walk up to the rooftop or shift our workstations to the picnic tables, taking a break from a complicated project helps boost our productivity and feel more excited to work on projects, no matter where we are getting them done. 

Maybe your team’s jobs involve strict timelines, specific budgets, long lists of to-dos, high expectations, and teams that are counting on you to succeed. It is common to feel stifled. 

What can you do to shift your perspective? 

Get creative and take a break. 

Taking a break can introduce greater oxygen flow, shift your perspective and reignite your creativity. There are many ways to incorporate creativity breaks into your work day, we suggest a simple one, walking! Below are ways we recommend taking breaks to refocus on everyday tasks: 

• Schedule a walk during your lunch break. 

• Working at home? Look at your schedule; where can you step away from the computer and work in the fresh air?

• Working in an office? Physically move to check on a coworker at their desk. 

• Working hybrid? Block time on your calendar to refocus and reinvigorate your productivity.  

A Psychology Today blog post by counselor and writer Meg Selig states, “... taking a break has a direct impact on boosting your productivity.” She states that taking breaks helps with decision-making, restoring motivation, boosting productivity, and improving creativity. The best ways she describes to take a break are as follows: 

• Go for a walk-n-talk

• Observe the details you see as you move through a streetscape 

• Take a power nap

• Meditate 

• Enjoy a coffee or tea (without reading your phone or email!)

Small acts of care towards yourself are most recommended and should be prioritized in taking a break. Deciding which type of break best fits into your work schedule whether you work remotely, in person, or hybrid is crucial to understanding how to feel the most revitalized after your break. 

Additionally, Selig shares insights about when taking a break is not possible. She states that “If you can’t take a break, consider switching work tasks... When you return to the original task, you’ll experience some of the break benefits.” 

At TwoLine Studios, breaks are a crucial way we refocus and strengthen the team’s creativity in meetings and workshops. Heather was working with LEGO on strategizing the brand's future marketing campaign. The team brainstormed new ideas for the project and landed on an exciting new trajectory. Heather had the team take a break and she redesigned the agenda for the meeting based on the team’s brainstorming. This ultimately led to the success of the project and informed the final deliverable.

Two Line Studios has been helping brands communicate virtually for years. Our facilitator-led sessions implement a Clarity Through Creativity®™ approach using visuals, storytelling, and creative inspiration — even when getting together in person is not possible. Subscribe to our newsletter below to learn more about unlocking your team's creative potential.