Time Saving Office Tips Series from the Countinuous Improvement Committee

CI Tips brought to you by the Continuous Improvement Committee and CI-minded UVAFinance FST Intern, Jack Sherwood.  

Tip 1: Productive Breaks 

from Jack Sherwood and Jack Jensen

As the fall semester nears and employees begin to resume in-person work, there is a lot of anxiety in the air about how the transition will fare. This series is designed to alleviate pains and provide time-saving tips and strategies that will make in-person work feel less overwhelming.

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking frequent breaks throughout your workday can drastically improve efficiency while also reducing stress. Breaks elevate energy levels and heighten focus on tasks at hand, though these aren’t just any breaks.

Consider an average day of work. You attend scheduled meetings and complete your work at your own pace. If a meeting ends 5 minutes early, you will probably go to the bathroom then head straight for your phone to check emails, texts, and social media. However, consider what would happen if instead of that routine you walked to the kitchen or breakroom, ate a piece of fruit, and stepped outside to grab a breath of fresh air? These breaks are known as productive breaks; they are both purposeful and recharging.

While it may feel satisfying to check up on last night’s sports scores, your favorite celebrity’s Instagram post about their new puppy, or tomorrow’s weather, you will find yourself more ready to complete what is next on your agenda if you take that free time to give your eyes a break from a screen and your mind a break from stress. These productive breaks are conducive to ideas, energy, and general happiness. Try inserting several 5-minute productive breaks throughout your day, spontaneous or planned, and take time to stretch, breathe, and ground yourself. This skill is impactful in both the virtual and in-person work world, as more and more of our time is spent sitting and looking at a screen.

Try this tip and reap the benefits of a clear mind, fresh thoughts, and increased stamina that will help you complete other tasks faster (and make you happier while doing them!)

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