As children, we were often taught to avoid getting distracted. At school, attention and concentration are required in the learning process. But has any teacher managed to keep the attention of all children throughout the lesson and not let them get distracted? Hardly.
The need to be periodically distracted is inherent in how our brains work. And the classic office distraction—playing Solitaire on the computer on an online platform like Solitaires—is not a way to miss work time, but something more productive.
Embracing Distraction: Our Brain’s Survival Mechanism
“Working Productively” and “getting distracted periodically” have more in common than it may seem at first glance. Scientists have found that humans constantly alternate between short bursts of attention and periods when the brain is distracted – to detect – whether there are dangers around. Many centuries ago, These unconscious pauses helped our ancestors survive when, at any minute, predators could unexpectedly attack them. And our brain, thus, by pausing, protects us from danger. Next time when you want to distract yourself – do not scold yourself, but praise your brain – because it does its job correctly.
That said, there’s no need to take long pauses. Engaging other areas of the brain is much more important to restore a fresh perception of your work goal. Realizing this, it’s best to think about how you can make pausing more effective. Try our tips and see how your work on a new advertising creative or client newsletter text becomes more effective.
Communication on Distracted Topics
Many of us have become aware of the need for social contact, especially after a period of isolation a few years ago. It’s good when you have a chance to talk to a colleague. A few minutes of light conversation will energize you and make you eager to return to your tasks. Have you noticed how interesting and compelling your work becomes when paired with an easy-going, positive colleague?
A Walk or Physical Activity
Movement stimulates blood flow to the internal organs, including the brain. Shifting your attention to natural objects while walking renews your perception quickly. It’s great if there are beautiful vistas near your workplace. However, an essential physical warm-up can energize and enhance your concentration. Stand up and briefly warm up if walking isn’t feasible. Learn a 15-minute set of exercises and practice daily. Or imagine the whole office getting together on a break and doing yoga, qigong, or any physical activity that involves tension, relaxation, and breathing. The influx of oxygen during breathing exercises stimulates the brain, and Eastern practices are known for coordinating the left and right hemispheres in the process.
Meditation
For those who practice meditation, there are limitless possibilities for relaxation anytime and anywhere. At least, that’s what its proponents claim. When we focus entirely on the present moment, we stop the endless stream of thought and take subconscious energy from the past and future into the now. It’s a major reset and a significant influx of energy all at once. Of course, learning this skill takes time, but if you want to get this magic key – introduce the practice of 10-minute meditations during your lunch break. After such pauses, ideas for new advertising slogans come by themselves.
Easy Computer Game
For those not practicing meditation, there are ways to pause in uncomplicated computer games such as Solitaire or any other you prefer. Games with a simple interface and clear rules but with unpredictability can help direct the mind’s eye in a new way. Concentration and strategic thinking are also required here. Many of them also exist as mobile applications. The creators of such games claim that they are designed to help stretch your brain. That’s precisely what we need in our break!
Drawing
Another good old-fashioned way of meditation is available to everyone—a pencil, a piece of paper, and your hand drawing whatever your heart desires. For long-term mental tension, it is recommended to draw monotonous, repetitive patterns that can relieve stress. If the work is too monotonous, it is good to create drawings in color.
Optimal Pause Frequency for Productivity
How often is it beneficial to take such pauses? Scientists do not give an unequivocal answer. Most of us have one big break during lunch. But this is not enough if you constantly notice yourself distracted by the clouds outside the window or the chatter of colleagues, and you feel tired at the end of the working day anyway. The standard recommendation for filling your workday with pauses is to take short breaks during each hour and one or two longer breaks throughout the day.
Research your attention and the times of its optimal efficiency throughout the day, and practice efficiency in everything – and pauses, too.
