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#ProdChat – 11/29/17 – The Importance of Taking Productive Breaks

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#ProdChat – 11/29/17 – The Importance of Taking Productive Breaks

On 11/29/17, #ProdChat discussed the topic, The Importance of Taking Productive Breaks. Watch the slideshow to see what the productivity enthusiasts on #ProdChat had to say about “The Importance of Taking Productive Breaks.” Enjoy!

Questions:

Q1: What are productive breaks for you (i.e., from five minute breaks to power naps to vacations)? #prodchat

Q2: How many of what type of productive breaks do you take in an average week, month or year? #prodchat

Q3: Why do you take breaks? What value do you get out of taking them? #prodchat

Did you miss a #productivity book club discussion and want to listen to it? Catch up here: productivitybookgroup.org/episodes #prodchat

Q4: Are all productivity breaks created equal? Which breaks are better than others for you?  #prodchat

Q5: What do you think about the 52/17 formula (i.e., read para. 4 here: https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-rule-of-52-and-17-its-random-but-it-ups-your-productivity)? And other similar formulae? #prodchat

Q6: How do you plan out longer breaks away from work (e.g., long weekends, or a vacation)?

Q7: What’s a telltale sign that you need to take a #productivity break? #prodchat

December 2017 - Productivity Book Group

Join us for our next #Productivity Book Group live discussion! http://productivitybookgroup.org/upcoming-books/ #prodchat

Q8: What are some productive yet relaxing activities you can do during short breaks at work? #prodchat

Q9: What’s the longest period of time you can work before you need to take a productivity break? #prod

Q10: Is there any nugget of information that jumped out at you during today’s #ProdChat? What will you do with that?

#ProdChat's next chat on Twitter - The Maker and Manager Schedule

Next #ProdChat: January 3, 2018 at 8pm EST. Join us then! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!

Raw transcript:

User Tweet Time (GMT +0)
rsidneysmith Welcome to #ProdChat, the weekly chat for productivity enthusiasts! https://t.co/C40vBaCeQb https://t.co/whRZWRqvTC Thu Nov 30 00:59:00 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck Hello Ray.
#prodchat
Thu Nov 30 00:59:34 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks Howdy Prodchatters #prodchat Thu Nov 30 00:59:58 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Today on #ProdChat we’re discussing “The #Productivity Importance of Taking Breaks!” Join us! https://t.co/ut12hQzvz8 Thu Nov 30 01:00:00 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Hey, @PG_pmp! How’re you today? #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:00:44 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck Hey, Frank! How’re you this evening? #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:01:09 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @ArtGelwicks Hiya, Art! What’s cookin’? #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:01:23 +0000 2017
PG_pmp @rsidneysmith I am doing good, how abt you? #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:01:44 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks @rsidneysmith Working while waiting on soccer practice. You? #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:01:58 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith So, let’s start! In a tweet, introduce yourself. #prodchat https://t.co/PwDl9RlvnX Thu Nov 30 01:02:00 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck @rsidneysmith Doing well, Ray. Had a good Thanksgiving, #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:02:00 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Twitter is being wonky with me tonight. I’m refreshing often, but I’m refreshing often so hopefully I don’t miss a beat! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:02:07 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks Art Gelwicks – productivity guy, blogger, podcaster, and founder of The Idea Pump. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:02:42 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @PG_pmp Glad to hear, Piyush! I’m great. Back to work after some time off. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:02:54 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck Frank Buck from Alabama. I wrote and speak on #organization and #timemanagement #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:03:04 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks @rsidneysmith I’m running tchat.io again…hopefully no repeats of my previous issues #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:03:12 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @ArtGelwicks Glad to hear you’re being productive during (I’m presuming your son or daughter’s) soccer practice! I’… https://t.co/4tQNHdZRrf Thu Nov 30 01:04:15 +0000 2017
PG_pmp @rsidneysmith wonderful #prodchat, what is ur work area? Thu Nov 30 01:04:21 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck Glad to hear, Frank! I had a great Thanksgiving and birthday celebration holiday…even a bit of relaxation! :) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:04:47 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith What’s a #productivity success you’ve had this or last week? #prodchat https://t.co/WG9DaMbRyz Thu Nov 30 01:05:00 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @PG_pmp Where do I work? Or what do I do? Lol. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:05:13 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks Worked out the kinks of Chrome Remote Desktop from my Chromebook to my laptop. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:05:40 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Please add #prodchat to tweets. Questions will come as Q1, Q2, Q3. Answer A1, A2, A3, for readability! https://t.co/c5IwafuSbX Thu Nov 30 01:06:01 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck #Productivity success is presenting at a teacher’s conference last in Huntsville for teachers throughout the South. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:06:24 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith #Productivity Success(es): I saw family. I saw friends. And, only two weeks left before I leave on vacation! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:07:55 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Let’s talk about the importance to your productivity of taking breaks! First question out in a couple minutes.… https://t.co/9LAYd1CUJ4 Thu Nov 30 01:08:01 +0000 2017
nmhouston @rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck @ArtGelwicks hi everyone! I’m gonna be dropping in and out tonight but wanted to stop by #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:09:37 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q1: What are productive breaks for you (i.e., from five minute breaks to power naps to vacations)? #prodchat https://t.co/qTkUZE4o06 Thu Nov 30 01:10:00 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks @nmhouston Hi there! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:10:07 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck @rsidneysmith Maybe tonight’s chat will give you ideas on how to spend the vacation. :)
#prodchat
Thu Nov 30 01:10:18 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks A1: Breaks for me can go from a couple of minutes to a couple of hours depending what I need. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:10:36 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @nmhouston @DrFrankBuck @ArtGelwicks Happy to have you drop in and out of #prodchat anytime, Natalie! How’re you? Thu Nov 30 01:10:42 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck Haha! It was the impetus for this #prodchat! :) Thu Nov 30 01:11:27 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A1: I like to just stand up and walk around for a few minutes if I am working on an extended project. I like to stay in the flow. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:11:47 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A1: When I finish something, the break is longer. Maybe TV or listening to a podcast. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:12:25 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A1: I think a productive break is a purposeful use of my time, away from working tasks. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:12:42 +0000 2017
nmhouston @rsidneysmith doing well, took some time off last week which I really needed #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:13:02 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @nmhouston It sounds like the need for some time off was going around…Thanksgiving came in the nick of time! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:13:34 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q2: How many of what type of productive breaks do you take in an average week, month or year? #prodchat https://t.co/JME8l6SxoQ Thu Nov 30 01:15:01 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks A2: If we’re talking about longer (1+ day breaks) then about 4-5 per year. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:16:40 +0000 2017
nmhouston A1 for me defining the time as a break is key. Get away from the computer, decide to move, sleep, or play #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:16:49 +0000 2017
moni_med96 Hi I am Monica! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:17:31 +0000 2017
moni_med96 Hi I am Monica! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:17:31 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A2: These days, we take 2 or 3 vacations a year for around a week at a time. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:17:49 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A2: I take short breaks throughout the day, usually after each work stretch (usu. every 90-120 min). #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:18:27 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A2a: Then, there is my lunch break. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:18:41 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A2: On a weekly basis, I don;t have a set schedule for breaks. Some people have a rule about not working on weekends, I am do. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:18:47 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @moni_med96 Hi, Monica! Welcome to #prodchat! Thu Nov 30 01:18:51 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A2: For me, there is a very fine line between work and play. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:19:17 +0000 2017
moni_med96 This week I have been swamped with assignments since finals is coming up shortly, but taking the time have a… https://t.co/TzldhzJjbV Thu Nov 30 01:19:55 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q3: Why do you take breaks? What value do you get out of taking them? #prodchat https://t.co/yimWOfCNVs Thu Nov 30 01:20:00 +0000 2017
nmhouston A2 my goal is to have one work-free day per week. But I don’t always make that goal, at least not lately #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:20:41 +0000 2017
SallyReb Hi All, I’m a bit late to #ProdChat but looking forward to learning from you Thu Nov 30 01:20:45 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A3: Breaks are necessary to clear my head, keep energy up. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:20:49 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @SallyReb Hi, Sally! Welcome to #prodchat! How’re you today? Thu Nov 30 01:21:00 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks A3: Breaks help me circumvent idea roadblocks #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:21:15 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @moni_med96 Glad to hear #productivity breaks are working for you, Monica! :) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:21:25 +0000 2017
SallyReb A2. just had a conversation w colleague re: I need to be disciplined about taking short daily walk breaks #ProdChat Thu Nov 30 01:22:06 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks @SallyReb Hi there! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:22:06 +0000 2017
moni_med96 @rsidneysmith Thanks! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:22:21 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A3: I take breaks to rejuvenate, to rest, to problem-solve, to brainstorm, to be creative. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:22:56 +0000 2017
SallyReb @rsidneysmith Thanks for the welcome. Going well and happy to be heading home. How are you! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:23:10 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @SallyReb Good for your brain and your cardiovascular system! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:23:20 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @SallyReb I’m great! Thanks! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:23:38 +0000 2017
nmhouston I do something similar but with 40-75 minute work blocks. Use a timer to stop before getting burnt out #prodchat https://t.co/1b4Zob9eiu Thu Nov 30 01:23:55 +0000 2017
SallyReb RT @rsidneysmith: Q3: Why do you take breaks? What value do you get out of taking them? #prodchat https://t.co/yimWOfCNVs Thu Nov 30 01:24:27 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q4: Are all productivity breaks created equal? Which breaks are better than others for you? #prodchat https://t.co/cSkAA685EI Thu Nov 30 01:25:01 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A3: The value is immeasurable if I have a great idea. It’s still unquantifiable if I reduce stress between meetings. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:25:02 +0000 2017
moni_med96 For me, #productive breaks are 10-20min power naps all the way to a trip to the mall! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:25:10 +0000 2017
SallyReb A3. Self care. Rest. Process. Reward. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:25:50 +0000 2017
nmhouston Alright #prodchat wish I could stay but our toaster died this morning so we’re at the store to get a new one…see you all later Thu Nov 30 01:26:06 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks A4: My mini-breaks (5 min) and my extended breaks (30-45 min) are the most beneficial #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:26:20 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @nmhouston Happy toaster shopping! :) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:26:30 +0000 2017
moni_med96 I take about 5 quick naps a week, and about 2 mall trips a month #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:26:47 +0000 2017
SallyReb @nmhouston Love the idea of using a timer. Reduces stress of thinking about time. Set it and forget it, when it goe… https://t.co/Vh0L0RDtbO Thu Nov 30 01:27:50 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A4: I’ve definitely valued other #productivity breaks in the past over others. Now, I see each has having intrinsic… https://t.co/YmHs4yqV4C Thu Nov 30 01:28:32 +0000 2017
SallyReb A4. Walking really helps me. Also, going to museum for an hour. I lose myself, then feel recharged. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:29:31 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck #4 For me, the short breaks throughout the day are the most beneficial. I am not one who has to “get away for a few days.” #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:29:50 +0000 2017
prodbookgrp Join us for our next #Productivity Book Group live discussion! Our last call of 2017! https://t.co/n14akGjZH4… https://t.co/EwEYlISSuM Thu Nov 30 01:30:01 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q5: What do you think about the 52/17 formula (i.e., read para. 4 here: https://t.co/jt1Y2qCatT)? And other similar… https://t.co/AkCRJ5ereq Thu Nov 30 01:30:02 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @SallyReb I love the idea of going to the museum during a break! I’m adding that to my list! :-D #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:30:03 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck @SallyReb I like walking as well. It s said that angels speak to us when we walk. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:30:41 +0000 2017
SallyReb A4. Checking personal email, twitter or news is not a good way to take a break for me. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:30:46 +0000 2017
SallyReb @DrFrankBuck I love that! I’ll think about that on my walks. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:31:33 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @SallyReb That’s like an anti-break activity! Although, I started playing Words with Friends during one break a day… https://t.co/BA7zrx57Jt Thu Nov 30 01:31:43 +0000 2017
SallyReb @rsidneysmith Agreed, avoid phone. I can see words w friends being relaxing. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:32:46 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks A4: Board games. One of my favorite ways to take a break #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:33:27 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A5: Like with most of this research, I have issues with them. More research is needed. But, I do believe in the nee… https://t.co/ls9ywi8sT4 Thu Nov 30 01:33:46 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A5a: I know that 90 min sprints + 15 min breaks are a time-tested method. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:34:24 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A3: I take breaks because I get overworked, or because I am tired. I also tend to take breaks when things are going… https://t.co/wsW1SS38tz Thu Nov 30 01:34:39 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q6: How do you plan out longer breaks away from work (e.g., long weekends, or a vacation)? #prodchat https://t.co/Het9ULLqU4 Thu Nov 30 01:35:01 +0000 2017
SallyReb A5 I’m not sure if all workplaces would be keen on supporting breaks after 52 mins. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:35:47 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A4: Personally I find shopping trips better, but in reality, it is not because money has been spent. In reality, na… https://t.co/zgTifwHXwU Thu Nov 30 01:36:31 +0000 2017
SallyReb A6. Just thinking about time off/away reduces stress #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:37:02 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A6: I have just started (this year) planning to be off a full month of each year. This will include long weekends p… https://t.co/tzKGJthpBE Thu Nov 30 01:37:32 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @moni_med96 I actually have a ritual of walking around CVS (or any similar store)…it’s a kind of retail therapy..… https://t.co/mZhSVVK4Js Thu Nov 30 01:39:21 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q7: What’s a telltale sign that you need to take a #productivity break? #prodchat https://t.co/9wcWvG9FgN Thu Nov 30 01:40:00 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck @rsidneysmith Walking around CVS is pretty safe. Doesn’t hit the wallet the way walking around a leather goods store would. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:40:43 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A7: Restlessness. Feeling fatigued. Distracted. (Remarkably, it’s not when I feel like avoided a task at hand.) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:40:52 +0000 2017
SallyReb A6 I try to plan at least one vacation each year. Time off depends on where, $$$ and family #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:41:13 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A7: When I read the same paragraph 3 times and don’t even realize it, it’s time for a break. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:41:23 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck That’s definitely why you won’t find me doing a walk through Cole Haan for retail therapy! ??? #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:41:42 +0000 2017
ArtGelwicks A7: Inability to make fixed, extended progress on a project or initiative #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:41:44 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith *avoiding #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:42:03 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A5 The 52/17 does not work too well for me. This is because assignments tend to take longer than 52 minutes. I woul… https://t.co/kVJNxwUb0J Thu Nov 30 01:42:23 +0000 2017
SallyReb A7 Disengaged. Tired. Lack of creativity. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:42:32 +0000 2017
SallyReb @moni_med96 Yes, and for me, with some projects I really enjoy big chunks of time #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:44:02 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q8: What are some productive yet relaxing activities you can do during short breaks at work? #prodchat https://t.co/6hPWLXRefB Thu Nov 30 01:45:00 +0000 2017
SallyReb Nearly home friends, hopping the bus. thank you! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:45:36 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A8: Walk, Get some fresh air. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:45:57 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A8: Meditate (@calm or @BrainfmApp). Take a walk. Look out the window at greenery. Call a family member or a friend… https://t.co/xg6iNFLTx3 Thu Nov 30 01:47:52 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A8a: Or, like me, a game of Words with Friends. :) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:48:16 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A7: Tiredness, frustration, hallucinations, loss of focus #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:49:06 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q9: What’s the longest period of time you can work before you need to take a productivity break? #prodchat https://t.co/sPfF8mtw9C Thu Nov 30 01:50:00 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A8: Eat, have a cup of coffee, play a cellular game, go for a walk, talking with friends, and taking a quick nap in the breakroom #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:50:43 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A9: My macho mind wants to say about 10 hours. My realistic self knows it’s about 120 minutes. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:50:59 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck A9: If I am working on a project that requires concentration, especially complex spreadsheets, I can focus for a couple of hours. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:52:26 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @moni_med96 @DrFrankBuck Ha! You could also take a nap in a furniture store. ;) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:53:11 +0000 2017
MultiplyingGood #WednesdayWisdom via @rsidneysmith #ProdChat https://t.co/9ZWs1XIXx3 Thu Nov 30 01:54:25 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Q10: Is there any nugget of information that jumped out at you during today’s #ProdChat? What will you do with that? https://t.co/LllcAukTV7 Thu Nov 30 01:55:00 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith A10: I’m going to take some museum walk-throughs for breaks as suggested by @SallyReb. Thanks, Sally! :) #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:56:19 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Next #ProdChat: January 3, 2018 at 8pm EST. Join us then! Happy Holidays! Happy New Year! https://t.co/qvgUlSLxQA Thu Nov 30 01:57:00 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A9 The longest period I have gone would be 6 hours. This was finals week and I had essays and exams to prepare for. #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:57:54 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith Have a great rest of your week (and 2017), #productivity enthusiasts! Thanks! #productivity #prodchat https://t.co/9fiQycbIMo Thu Nov 30 01:58:00 +0000 2017
DrFrankBuck Merry Christmas everyone! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:59:24 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @DrFrankBuck Same to you, Frank! #prodchat Thu Nov 30 01:59:58 +0000 2017
moni_med96 A10: 52/17 stood out to me because it was the first time hearing about this technique. This would not help me, but… https://t.co/fI9vZzNaYL Thu Nov 30 02:00:02 +0000 2017
PG_pmp @rsidneysmith I mean domain #prodchat Thu Nov 30 03:23:43 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @rogue_crayon99 If that’s a new feature, I hate to see their bugs! ;-P #prodchat Thu Nov 30 14:54:11 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @rogue_crayon99 If that’s a new feature, I hate to see their bugs! ;-P #prodchat Thu Nov 30 14:54:11 +0000 2017
rsidneysmith @PG_pmp Productivity, Technology, Management and Marketing Consultant for Small Business. Evernote Certified Consul… https://t.co/4SVHr1T9Wd Thu Nov 30 14:56:54 +0000 2017

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