Productivity for Scientists

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Are you taking breaks? (VIDEO)

Are you taking breaks? (VIDEO)

 

You might be very busy with your work just now. It might be that you are doing your PhD trying to push the lab work, the data analysis and the writing to meet your thesis submission deadline. It might be your postdoc: there might be only few months left until the end of the contract and you are trying to get done as much as possible before you move to the next post. Or it may be your tenure: you know your evaluation date and you have your list of targets and you are pushing hard going for that deadline.

And what is likely happening is that you work throughout the day, evenings and week-ends without taking any breaks. This can easily lead to exhaustion and burn-out. I’ve spoken to several scientists recently who said they felt burned-out.

The thing is that you need to start scheduling breaks and takes this time off work on a regular basis! Watch the video above where I talk about how taking breaks and time off work actually makes your MORE productive. I also share with you how and when exactly you can schedule those breaks and start taking time off from NOW ON!

In your comments please share what day of the week you are going to take off work and how often you are going to block of one week for your time off work.

 

 

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6 Responses to Are you taking breaks? (VIDEO)

  1. This is so true Olga! I know that I am SO much more productive once I’ve had a break!

  2. I could not agree with you more! It is so critical to take time to rejuvenate and self-nurture so that your creativity, fresh perspective and renewed energy can support your productivity and successful completion of your goals. Thank you so much for spreading this important message!

  3. Cindy says:

    Scientists and leaders in all walks of life can drive to exhaustion and burn-out as you have noted, Olga.

    Your focus on productivity and how to take breaks – “start scheduling breaks” and taking time off from your work is sage advice to all talented professional who wish to have less stress and amazing career they enjoy. The little shift of adding breaks and scheduling time off it a must do to accelerate success.

  4. Laura Clark says:

    Yet, another reminder comes into my life! I've wanted to get back into my old habit of setting my timer for my 15 minute mini break and my one hour 15 min. break. My mini breaks consist of standing up, taking in some good breaths, taking a good drink of water and sitting right back down again ~ posture restored and fresh-crisp attention~ My 15 mins are even better…and when I do this my focus is so GOOD that I get more done having taken more breaks ~ an oxymoron but #truth and leave at the end of the day not scattered 🙂 and can focus on my family so much better!!!

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