Summer Holidays – and the Value of Good Breaks
With the summer holiday season approaching, it may be the perfect time to talk about breaks in general—and why they are so important for maintaining both effectiveness and wellbeing at work.
In the lead-up to a holiday, most of us have a little extra to get done. There may be unfinished projects, a pile of unanswered emails, and various tasks on our desks that we would like to clear before leaving. Once those things are taken care of, we can usually reach a point where we are able to switch off, leave work behind, and focus on relaxing.
Unlike holidays—the longer, clearly defined breaks we schedule into our lives—it can be much harder to pause during everyday work. No one is standing beside us saying, “Take a break now,” and when we are busy, we rarely feel the need for one.
In fact, an overloaded brain does not want to take a break. Our instincts tell us to keep pushing through the workload. Taking a break under pressure therefore runs counter to our natural response. That is why we need routines and discipline that encourage us to pause before the battery starts flashing red.
A Break Is Not the Opposite of Performance
When the workday is filled with the familiar mix of emails, meetings, messages, and ad hoc tasks—and when time is short and the calendar is packed—breaks are often the first thing we sacrifice. Yet this is precisely the paradox: breaks are essential to performing well.
Many of us tend to view breaks as a reward. Something we earn once the important work has been completed and we can finally catch our breath. In reality, it should be the other way around. Breaks are what enable us to do our best work in the first place.
When the pace and pressure remain high for too long, our ability to focus declines. We become more easily distracted, make more mistakes, and expend more energy—even on simple tasks. It is much like an electric car operating on 5% battery power: it can still move forward, but slowly, and with many of its advanced features disabled because it has entered emergency mode.
The key lesson is that breaks need to be planned. That way, you benefit from them before the impulse to pause is drowned out by the inner voice saying, “Just one more thing.”
What Makes a Good Break?
Research points to four elements that are particularly important for recovery: detachment, relaxation, control, and mastery.
Detachment means creating mental distance from work. It is not just about leaving the office physically, but about allowing your mind to disengage from tasks, decisions, and mental to-do lists.
Relaxation means slowing down and giving both body and mind the opportunity to unwind. As stress levels decrease, the nervous system gains better conditions for recovery and recharging.
Control refers to having influence over your own time and activities. When we can choose how we spend our energy, both wellbeing and recovery improve.
Mastery involves engaging in activities that create a sense of achievement, progress, or learning. The activity itself can be large or small—the important factor is the feeling of competence and development.
A good break does not have to involve lying passively in a hammock. A walk outdoors, practical tasks around the house, or reading a chapter of a book can be just as restorative—as long as your mind is given a chance to step away from work for a while.
Breaks Are Not a Waste of Time
When we take a break, the brain relaxes—but it does not stop working. Quite the opposite.
A specific part of the brain, known as the default mode network, becomes particularly active when we are not focused on a specific task. This network plays an important role in reflection, memory, creativity, and problem-solving.
That is why our best ideas often appear in the shower, during a walk, or while gazing out at the sea without consciously thinking about anything in particular. Breaks are not an interruption to good thinking—they are an investment in it.
Research also shows that even short breaks can reduce fatigue and improve both energy levels and concentration. You may not notice the effect while you are taking the break, but over the course of a full workday, the difference can be substantial.
Do You Actually Take a Break During Your Holiday?
The summer holiday is a perfect opportunity to ask yourself a simple question: Do you truly take a break when you are on holiday? Or do you simply relocate your busyness?
There is nothing wrong with spending your holiday on activities, experiences, or personal projects. But if you approach every day with the expectation that it should be productive and “deliver results,” you risk turning your holiday into yet another performance arena—just in a pair of shorts.
Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. A day without a packed schedule, deadlines, or objectives—where the most important goal is having no goal.
Three Simple Tips for Better Breaks
If you would like to prioritise breaks more effectively after the holiday, start here:
- Schedule breaks in your calendar—you are unlikely to feel the need for them when you are busy.
- Take breaks with limited mental input, giving your brain an opportunity to rest.
- Use relaxation, movement, or immersion in something enjoyable—away from work tasks.
A break can be as simple as standing up and taking a short walk, or spending five minutes looking out of the window without a screen or phone. Even small breaks can have a significant impact, helping you maintain your energy throughout the day instead of running out before the workday ends.
If you are reading this during working hours, consider it a good excuse to stand up now, get a glass of water, and spend a few minutes looking out of the window. It is not slacking off. It is essential maintenance for your brain—your most important work tool.
Enjoy your break—and enjoy your summer holiday🌞
Our job is to make you better at yours!