Do you find yourself struggling to focus or making careless mistakes? Have you found yourself hungry or yawning throughout the day? These may be warning signs that it’s time to take a break and refresh your mind. Pay attention to how you feel throughout the day and how it impacts your work output. If you find your productivity waning, try one of the tactics below to increase work performance and boost your energy level.

5 Tactics to Refresh Your Mind and Increase Productivity

1. Schedule Purposeful Breaks.

Give yourself permission to take a purposeful break. The quality of your break is more important than the quantity. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia found that, “The quantity and quality of brain activity suggests that people struggling to solve complicated problems might be better off switching to a simpler task and letting their mind wander.” For your break to bring you value, walk away from your workstation. Disengage by stretching or listening to music to recharge and refocus.

2. Practice Quieting Your Mind.

One example of quieting your mind is to focus on your breathing. To do this, find a quiet place and get comfortable. Close your eyes and take deep breaths in and out. Repeat this process a few times. Each time, focus on your breath and detach from your thoughts.

Another example is to stretch. Most employees should be able to complete small stretching exercises right at their workstation. Download Society’s Stretching for Success Guide to reduce muscle tension throughout the day.

3. Listen to Calming Music

There are many free playlists including a “Calming” playlist by Moon Blanket Records on Pandora. Even playing white noise in the background could create a calming effect. Calming music or tones have a beneficial effect on our physiological functions, slowing pulse and heart rate.

4. Take a Walk

Try walking outside for 20-30 minutes a couple times a week to refresh your mind. A little physical activity can naturally increase endorphins leading to more energy, pain relief, and reduced stress.

5. Take a Break from Social Media

Taking a break from social media can help you become more in tune with your thoughts and feelings. You may also feel less anxious when there is no pressure to meet preconceived standards or “keep up with the Joneses” by following others’ carefully captured lives on social media. Give this a try. The amount of time needed away is your choice but evaluate how much time you actually spend on social media and how much is too much.

Read more on topics like this from our HR Blog Series or contact your local Society agent to learn more about how Society can help your business.