There are many factors that impact sustained attention, but research suggests that the average duration that a person is able to stay focused on a single task without experiencing declines in attention or productivity is around 30 to 45 minutes.<\/span><\/p>
A 2014 study performed by the productivity tracking company DeskTime found that the most productive people work for 52 minutes and then take a 17-minute break. When the study was repeated seven years later, the most productive people were working for 112 minutes before taking a break, an increase attributed to changes in work life due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/span><\/p>
A good rule is that a short break every hour or so can help you stay productive throughout the work day.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "How can you take a break from work when you are depressed?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " Taking a break when you are feeling depressed<\/a> is often challenging because many of the things that used to bring you pleasure no longer create the same joy. One way to handle this is to spend your break periods engaging in self-care activities. Exercise, deep breathing, and meditation may be helpful for managing symptoms of depression.<\/p> Spending 10 to 15 minutes on something like listening to music, writing in a gratitude journal, or enjoying a cup of your favorite tea are also great ways to take a break and practice self-care when you are feeling depressed.<\/p>"
}
}
,
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What should you do when you are taking a break from work?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": " A break should be a true break from work—which means no checking emails or other work-related duties while you are on break. Finding a way to refresh your mind and body can help you return to your tasks with a clear mind, so getting up to stretch or going for a walk outside can be helpful. So can stopping to chat with co-workers. Research has found that workers who socialize at work are happier and healthier.<\/span><\/p>"
}
}
]
} ] }
]