Every day is a new challenge and to face it, we all need relevant psychological advice. For this last day of June, the key lies in our regular breaks. It’s not just a simple recommendation, it’s a necessity to maintain our state of mind at its best.
Take regular breaks: more than advice, a science
In the powerful field of psychology, experts recognize the importance of regular breaks. And it’s not without reason: our brain needs rest to stay high-performing. Indeed, studying the modalities of our cognitive functioning shows that our ability to focus fluctuates throughout the day. We cannot maintain a high level of concentration indefinitely.
- After about 1 hour of intense work, productivity usually starts to decrease.
- To boost your productivity, all it takes is a well-timed 5-minute break every hour.
- During these breaks, avoid any form of intense intellectual stimulation in favor of relaxation.
Taking a break therefore allows you to maintain your performance in the long term.
The right modalities for your breaks
Nevertheless, if taking breaks is crucial, it is important to take them correctly to fully benefit from their advantages. A good break must be planned, it is neither a waste of time nor a failure.
- It is essential to set a specific duration for your break, for example 5 minutes every hour.
- Don’t forget to avoid any mentally demanding activity during your breaks. This could prevent your brain from truly resting.
- During this break, choose activities that you enjoy and that help you feel relaxed.
The role of the psychologist in adopting good habits
Access to a psychologist can be a significant advantage in establishing these new habits. This professional has the necessary knowledge to guide and support positive behavioral changes.
- It can help structure work sessions, to include regular breaks and optimize their efficiency.
- It can help understand the value of breaks and how they can be incorporated into a productive day without feeling guilty or wasting time.
- Finally, numerous studies suggest that consulting a psychologist improves quality of life and overall well-being.
Stay Informed and Up to Date
Here, we have explored the value of regular breaks for our mental well-being and productivity. However, psychological advice is constantly evolving due to the latest discoveries in neuroscience and clinical psychology.
It is therefore essential to stay informed and up to date on these advancements. Reliable sources can provide these updated information, including:
- The mental health bulletins,
- The professional council’s website of your country,
- Consultation with mental health professionals.
Consulting a psychologist: practical information and fees
If you decide to consult a psychologist, it is appropriate to take certain precautions. First of all, make sure the professional has the necessary qualifications to practice. Do not hesitate to ask them about their training, areas of expertise or their Adeli number (unique identifier for healthcare professionals in France).
Next, discuss with him the rate of the sessions. Some psychologists offer a progressive pricing based on income, so don’t hesitate to ask the question.
Finally, find out about the location and frequency of sessions, as well as how to make appointments. Many psychologists now offer sessions online, which can be an advantage for those who find it hard to find time in their busy schedule.
Don’t forget: take care of yourself
Our psycho tip of the day is not only meant to help your productivity at work, it’s also an invitation to take care of your mental and emotional needs. Never forget that your well-being should always remain a priority.