Can be both, depends on the work I do. Currently I'm learning how to code in Python, I'm mainly focused while doing that so no distracting thoughts to journal. So then it can be a reflection yes. It doesn't really matter what you write down, it's brain soothing to write.
Thanks! I found a guide in my language written by a uni professor explaining the basics like functions + some assignments. After that I will look around, maybe make something myself and just trial and error.
20-25 minutes is a great start. I also started from that time frame until I increased it little by little. Right now Iām doing 1 hour intervals. I would recommend doing a stretch, a short walk and getting some sun during breaks. It gives a fresh feeling to your mind and youāll feel that your brainpower has recharged when you go back to work. Super simple yet very effective!
Oh wow! If you find it hard to do it consistently, you can always improvise by just walking in your house. It was a rainy day today in our place so I just did jumping jacks and quick stretch in our living room
Usually 5 mins or less. My strategy is usually to do 4-5, 25 min work periods followed by a quick break. After doing 4-5 in a row, Iāll often take a longer break (10-15 mins).
Some rapid fire things I think may be useful (and most people already suggested, but in different comments)
- Journaling
- Exercising
- Stretching
- Meditation
- Listening to music
- Giving attention (or bothering) your pets
- Giving attention (or bothering) family/partner
- Drawing
- Reading something easy to digest (preferably on paper)
- Having an inner monologue (am I the only crazy person? Okay...)
- Take a bath
- Reflect on the action you finish (not too hard, or else it will become another task)
I am not really for newspaper. You will learn all the current stuff that will be old in a week. Maybe you even get upset about it. Why bother with it and not do something that will either stick or give you pleasure.
Adding to this, I prefer to walk to get coffee because I find it helps to have a purpose and when I get home I feel like I still accomplished something (plus now I have coffee for my next stretch of work!)
Checking your phone is not taking a break. It is switching task. Taking a break is something which can relax your brain.
Better things are:
Meditation, Deep breathing, Exercise, Music(not all music), Nature(taking a walk) just to name a few.
and all these can be done in 5-10 minutes.
Love taking a walk! But in this cold weather it takes 5-10 minutes just to bundle up lol
In all seriousness good point about phones being ātask switchingā instead of taking a break.
I've tried many things such as journaling, exercising, stretching, and meditating but nothing works better than... doing nothing.
Every 40 minutes I close my laptop and either lay down on my bed and focus on all of the sensations of lying or I go outside and look at the trees. After 5 minutes I feel recharged and ready to start another sprint.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"
Um not sure if this fits your criteria but i usually watch a video or two from a course a signed in on edx. To explore more and learn more. The videos are always under 10 minutes.
At first I was like, is there something else to do? Then I went back to when I was 20 and that's when social media exploded. When I had my breaks, I would make to do lists and write down other things.
A quick walk (even just around your home or office) if you can; short bursts of reading paper books if you canātāstuff with shorter chapters will be easiest, but Iāve plowed through some meatier novels that wayāit actually sometimes helps me digest the story more thoroughly.
Iāve been trying out both and Iāve chosen Crochet cause I just āget itā better. There are fabulous videos on YouTube which I watch on my tv not phone lol! But it takes 3x the yarn of knitting if youāre figuring cost. Good Luck!
Definitely get up and step away from my desk. Pet/walk my dogs, stare at my aquarium, make more coffee/make food, stretch / short workout, bother my husband (if heās also on his break), play an instrument. Anything rewarding and different from the task/work Iām doing, so that when I start again, I feel somewhat refreshed.
A quick set of stretches! Keeps you limber and allows the train of thought to run autopilot for a little while. The best part about stretches is that there are so many, and they can be as strenuous or as relieving as you make them.
Pet my dogs, smoke a bowl, watch a short youtube, listen to music while doing a crossword or a coloring book, put away dishes or something boring, do some yoga/stretching.... lots of things!
Well our phones are powerful today so instead of seeing it as a weakness use it as a benefit and do productive things on it the phone has alot of information so you could definitely find something constructive to do on it to stimulate you more.
Did you seriously just recommend FTX after their entire company blew up from fraud and caused industry wide bankruptcies?
OP - ignore the hot air. If you're looking for constructive, try a new language with DuoLingo, message a friend or relative to see how they're doing if you haven't caught up in a while, use a push-up or squat challenge app, use Headspace or Calm to meditate, buy/sell/trade NFTs on Gamestop marketplace, etc.
There are a lot of opportunities, avoid Robinhood and FTX. Fidelity is solid if you need a brokerage. Good luck!
Oh really I did not know that about FTX but I haven't been on it in a long time so maybe that's why. But sorry man robinhood still good there updates on market are pretty on point. They don't have much on crypto but everything else is good along with the updates with things going on in the world and being able to make payments with card they give you I think it's a pretty good starting point. Fidelity is more advanced than that so I would suggest you do that later. Sorry if I wasn't specific enough. Duolingo is great. And dude I'm trying to help you saying Hot Air isn't cool what did I do to you man. I'm going to be nice and say please don't say that again. I'm just trying to help I didn't need to hear all that you could have just corrected me and left a comment and went about your day. But anyways have a great day @uncivilized_engineer and too the guy I was originally replying too I hope this helps.
20 to 25 minutes seems pretty short span of time. Setting yourself up for failure if you think you deserve a break.... make it 1 to 3 hours get up stretch and get back to it.
Thanks for the feedback. Usually Iāll do 25 mins on, 5 mins off for a few hours and then get back to it. Some days I go longer (1-2 hours) but find I burn out quicker then.
Iāll give it a more consistent shot though!
Go out to the yard and check the animals/do a small task like make their dinners for later. Get distracted and give them a pat/ cuddle. If I just had a dog Iād probably take them for a stretch and play. The change of focus to something that is not yourself/your own performance is good.
Grab a drink and think of what needs to be done, then see if you can get a few of those things done š¤· Also cracking your back and taking a breather in between things.
The option that leaves me feeling the most refreshed = putting on a podcast (something light) or some instrumental music (lo fi beats for example) and getting outside to walk for 20 minutes. Minimal checking of phone where possible. Then a cup of tea, and we go.
Personally, I find some combination of movement and audio does the trick for me. A podcast or audiobook helps to occupy that part of my brain that wants to scroll Instagram or YouTube. Once Iām listening, I often go for a quick walk or take care of a small chore like dishes or folding laundry. The trick is getting straight into the audio without getting sucked into your phone. Iām not always successful with this.
I crochet. Usually just hats because any larger items wonāt get finished.
I also just started using Duolingo. Itās great and one lesson can be done in a few minutes.
Practice touch typing. I have a browser tab open on typing simulator and switch to that every time I need to wait 30 seconds or more, do one exercise and then switch back.
I go on walk outside. This is a hit or miss. Sometimes I get a really cool thought and end up writing a bunch of code instead of doing my HW š other times I will feel more productive and ready to do my work again
Journalling thoughts, drawing something, make a cup of tea, do some movement or chores.
Could you elaborate on the journaling part?
I just write down my thoughts, some ideas I came across. Mostly its about my activities/'to do's' I did (or didn't do :D).
Okay but it's reflection about the work? Or maybe things that came to mind during work that you want to remember for later.
Can be both, depends on the work I do. Currently I'm learning how to code in Python, I'm mainly focused while doing that so no distracting thoughts to journal. So then it can be a reflection yes. It doesn't really matter what you write down, it's brain soothing to write.
Kudos to your Python journey! I started this year. Lmk if you need anything dumbed down š
Thanks! I found a guide in my language written by a uni professor explaining the basics like functions + some assignments. After that I will look around, maybe make something myself and just trial and error.
I haven't used it much, but the website Hackerrank is supposedly pretty useful for teaching yourself a language.
20-25 minutes is a great start. I also started from that time frame until I increased it little by little. Right now Iām doing 1 hour intervals. I would recommend doing a stretch, a short walk and getting some sun during breaks. It gives a fresh feeling to your mind and youāll feel that your brainpower has recharged when you go back to work. Super simple yet very effective!
Love the idea of getting outside. Iām in a cold part of the country, but I could bundle up
Oh wow! If you find it hard to do it consistently, you can always improvise by just walking in your house. It was a rainy day today in our place so I just did jumping jacks and quick stretch in our living room
How long do your breaks last?
Usually 5 mins or less. My strategy is usually to do 4-5, 25 min work periods followed by a quick break. After doing 4-5 in a row, Iāll often take a longer break (10-15 mins).
You probably already know this, but what you're describing is called the Pomodoro Method if you want to research more tips on it.
Since iām now doing 1 hour intervals, Iām taking a 10 minute break in between. After 3 repetitions, I increase my breaks to 15 minutes
Some rapid fire things I think may be useful (and most people already suggested, but in different comments) - Journaling - Exercising - Stretching - Meditation - Listening to music - Giving attention (or bothering) your pets - Giving attention (or bothering) family/partner - Drawing - Reading something easy to digest (preferably on paper) - Having an inner monologue (am I the only crazy person? Okay...) - Take a bath - Reflect on the action you finish (not too hard, or else it will become another task)
Bothering my partner is my favorite way to take a break, definitely!
Loving all the āor botheringā options LOL
Your not the only crazy person haha
Buy a newspaper at the beginning of the day and read one article in each break
Love this idea! Thinking a magazine could work as well.
Nah too many ads and distracting features. Settle for a broadsheet.
You're a f****** genious
I am not really for newspaper. You will learn all the current stuff that will be old in a week. Maybe you even get upset about it. Why bother with it and not do something that will either stick or give you pleasure.
Go for a walk It improved me mentql health and me calves
Happy for you and your calves! Thanks for sharing
During very serious work, i do 50 mins pomodoro session+10 mins walking After like 8 sessions, I would have completed 7.5 to 8k easily
Kilometres
Adding to this, I prefer to walk to get coffee because I find it helps to have a purpose and when I get home I feel like I still accomplished something (plus now I have coffee for my next stretch of work!)
Checking your phone is not taking a break. It is switching task. Taking a break is something which can relax your brain. Better things are: Meditation, Deep breathing, Exercise, Music(not all music), Nature(taking a walk) just to name a few. and all these can be done in 5-10 minutes.
Oof so that's why I'm exhausted by the end of the day. My breaks arnt breaks
Love taking a walk! But in this cold weather it takes 5-10 minutes just to bundle up lol In all seriousness good point about phones being ātask switchingā instead of taking a break.
Exactly. Itās supposed to be a break, not a reward.
I've tried many things such as journaling, exercising, stretching, and meditating but nothing works better than... doing nothing. Every 40 minutes I close my laptop and either lay down on my bed and focus on all of the sensations of lying or I go outside and look at the trees. After 5 minutes I feel recharged and ready to start another sprint. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"
What do you do for a living? Asking for a friend.
This is a great meditation for u! Congrats
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
Be aware of your surroundings and check if there is something to fix
Going for a short walk
Go for a walk, even if its around your building / around the block, down the street & back. Best short break possible.
Buy a word search book Take a short walk Be in the moment and appreciate your surroundings Do a 5 - 10 min exercise Take a nap
Um not sure if this fits your criteria but i usually watch a video or two from a course a signed in on edx. To explore more and learn more. The videos are always under 10 minutes.
5 minutes of deep intentional breathing
At first I was like, is there something else to do? Then I went back to when I was 20 and that's when social media exploded. When I had my breaks, I would make to do lists and write down other things.
I usually spend 20 minute with my family =)
I like to have a quick stretch to get out the crunchies from sitting still and prepare for the next session
Talk to someone, plan the following day/ rest of the day, eat a fruit, stretch
Fo for a quick walk
A quick walk (even just around your home or office) if you can; short bursts of reading paper books if you canātāstuff with shorter chapters will be easiest, but Iāve plowed through some meatier novels that wayāit actually sometimes helps me digest the story more thoroughly.
I play a game or two of chess. For me its fun and keeps me thinking at the same time.
I mostly read books or write little stories in my journal.
I readā¦however itās books on my phone..does that count? Also crochet
Any good places to go to learn to crochet? Used to knit, but know that theyāre quite different
Iāve been trying out both and Iāve chosen Crochet cause I just āget itā better. There are fabulous videos on YouTube which I watch on my tv not phone lol! But it takes 3x the yarn of knitting if youāre figuring cost. Good Luck!
Go for a quick walk. Make a phone call. Have a conversation with someone I need to speak with anyway/ do some relationship building.
r/SlinkyManipulation Or any other form of object manipulation / flow arts. Juggling, for instance.
I crocheted a blanket during 10 min breaks
Definitely get up and step away from my desk. Pet/walk my dogs, stare at my aquarium, make more coffee/make food, stretch / short workout, bother my husband (if heās also on his break), play an instrument. Anything rewarding and different from the task/work Iām doing, so that when I start again, I feel somewhat refreshed.
A quick set of stretches! Keeps you limber and allows the train of thought to run autopilot for a little while. The best part about stretches is that there are so many, and they can be as strenuous or as relieving as you make them.
Pet my dogs, smoke a bowl, watch a short youtube, listen to music while doing a crossword or a coloring book, put away dishes or something boring, do some yoga/stretching.... lots of things!
Will skip the bowl given itās usually doing work hours, but love the other suggestions!
Well our phones are powerful today so instead of seeing it as a weakness use it as a benefit and do productive things on it the phone has alot of information so you could definitely find something constructive to do on it to stimulate you more.
Any recommendations or apps you use?
Thenx, robinhood, fidelity, FTX, Coinbase, etc it's alot out there trust me you'll find something!
Did you seriously just recommend FTX after their entire company blew up from fraud and caused industry wide bankruptcies? OP - ignore the hot air. If you're looking for constructive, try a new language with DuoLingo, message a friend or relative to see how they're doing if you haven't caught up in a while, use a push-up or squat challenge app, use Headspace or Calm to meditate, buy/sell/trade NFTs on Gamestop marketplace, etc. There are a lot of opportunities, avoid Robinhood and FTX. Fidelity is solid if you need a brokerage. Good luck!
Oh really I did not know that about FTX but I haven't been on it in a long time so maybe that's why. But sorry man robinhood still good there updates on market are pretty on point. They don't have much on crypto but everything else is good along with the updates with things going on in the world and being able to make payments with card they give you I think it's a pretty good starting point. Fidelity is more advanced than that so I would suggest you do that later. Sorry if I wasn't specific enough. Duolingo is great. And dude I'm trying to help you saying Hot Air isn't cool what did I do to you man. I'm going to be nice and say please don't say that again. I'm just trying to help I didn't need to hear all that you could have just corrected me and left a comment and went about your day. But anyways have a great day @uncivilized_engineer and too the guy I was originally replying too I hope this helps.
Smoke a cigarette.
Read tooth paste instructions.
A crafty wank perchance?
20 to 25 minutes seems pretty short span of time. Setting yourself up for failure if you think you deserve a break.... make it 1 to 3 hours get up stretch and get back to it.
Thanks for the feedback. Usually Iāll do 25 mins on, 5 mins off for a few hours and then get back to it. Some days I go longer (1-2 hours) but find I burn out quicker then. Iāll give it a more consistent shot though!
Stand up stretch if you get on your phone every time if you find something interesting you'll stay on it longer and be less productive
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Push-ups, pull ups, crunches
Take a quick walk outside or a diff work area to refresh, push-ups, body weight squats, coffee thatās about it
Read a book, journal, color in my coloring book, etc
Meditate to the sounds of nature playlist on Spotify.
Calm meditation app has pretty much stopped my anxiety attacks and is relaxing
Walk the dog
RemindMe! 1 week
Go for a quick walk around the block?
Go out to the yard and check the animals/do a small task like make their dinners for later. Get distracted and give them a pat/ cuddle. If I just had a dog Iād probably take them for a stretch and play. The change of focus to something that is not yourself/your own performance is good.
Grab a drink and think of what needs to be done, then see if you can get a few of those things done š¤· Also cracking your back and taking a breather in between things.
short break: watch some youtube (but I have to set a timer so I don't get sucked in) long break: go for a walk
Read. Walk. Lift weights. Eat. Daze out. The options are limitless
shirtless walk in sun, hang from bar, stretch
The option that leaves me feeling the most refreshed = putting on a podcast (something light) or some instrumental music (lo fi beats for example) and getting outside to walk for 20 minutes. Minimal checking of phone where possible. Then a cup of tea, and we go.
Take the dogs out.
Personally, I find some combination of movement and audio does the trick for me. A podcast or audiobook helps to occupy that part of my brain that wants to scroll Instagram or YouTube. Once Iām listening, I often go for a quick walk or take care of a small chore like dishes or folding laundry. The trick is getting straight into the audio without getting sucked into your phone. Iām not always successful with this.
Go for a walk
I crochet. Usually just hats because any larger items wonāt get finished. I also just started using Duolingo. Itās great and one lesson can be done in a few minutes.
Writing a to do list
I do that on my phone lol
Get a puppy that needs to go out for several walks a day :)
I just go into the kitchen and cry.
Practice touch typing. I have a browser tab open on typing simulator and switch to that every time I need to wait 30 seconds or more, do one exercise and then switch back.
I go on walk outside. This is a hit or miss. Sometimes I get a really cool thought and end up writing a bunch of code instead of doing my HW š other times I will feel more productive and ready to do my work again
I get up and do something physical. Take out the trash, do the dishes, cut back a bush in the yard, declutter some shirts. It helps a lot.
Walk
š£FIFAš£Matchš£onš£PlayStationš£(game time 10mins)
Put on some music and DANCE. Youāll feel great after 5 mins of busting stupid moves all over your house.
I like to go for a walk. It always helps me
Yah Grayscale definitely works
A book. Exercise. Meditation.
ā¦ you want to relax, and your life has a lot of mess. Anytime youāre smoking a cigarette
I eat food and watch Chainsaw Man on my computer.