You’re struggling to focus at work. What’s the best way to take a break?

1 Set a timer

One of the best ways to take a break is to set a timer for your work sessions and your breaks. This way, you can avoid working for too long without interruption, which can lead to fatigue, boredom, and diminished performance. You can also avoid taking breaks that are too short or too long, which can disrupt your flow and momentum. A timer can help you create a rhythm of work and rest that suits your needs and preferences.

There are different methods you can use to set a timer, such as the Pomodoro technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, or the 52-17 method, which involves working for 52 minutes and then taking a 17-minute break. You can experiment with different intervals and see what works best for you.

2 Do something different

Another way to take a break is to do something different from your work. This can help you switch your mental mode, stimulate your brain, and reduce your stress. You can do something that engages your senses, such as listening to music, reading a book, or smelling a fragrance. You can do something that activates your body, such as stretching, walking, or dancing. You can do something that nurtures your spirit, such as meditating, praying, or expressing gratitude.

The key is to do something that you enjoy and that makes you feel good. You can also vary your activities and try new things to keep your break interesting and fun.

3 Connect with others

A third way to take a break is to connect with others who can support you, inspire you, and make you laugh. You can reach out to your colleagues, friends, family, or mentors and have a chat, a video call, or a virtual coffee. You can share your challenges, achievements, ideas, or feelings and get feedback, advice, or encouragement. You can also ask them about their lives, listen to their stories, or offer your help.

Connecting with others can help you feel less isolated, more valued, and more motivated. It can also help you build trust, rapport, and collaboration with your team and your network.

4 Review your goals

A fourth way to take a break is to review your goals and track your progress. This can help you regain your focus, align your actions, and celebrate your wins. You can look at your daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly goals and see how far you’ve come, what you’ve learned, and what you need to adjust. You can also acknowledge your achievements, no matter how big or small, and reward yourself for your hard work.

Reviewing your goals can help you stay on track, keep your vision, and boost your confidence. It can also help you identify your gaps, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

5 Plan ahead

A fifth way to take a break is to plan ahead for your next work session. This can help you prepare, prioritize, and organize your tasks. You can look at your calendar, your to-do list, your inbox, and your CRM and decide what you need to do next, how much time you need, and what resources you need. You can also set your goals, expectations, and deadlines for yourself and your team.

Planning ahead can help you avoid procrastination, confusion, and overwhelm. It can also help you increase your efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability.

6 Be flexible

A sixth way to take a break is to be flexible and adapt to your situation. Sometimes, you may not be able to take a break when you want to, or you may have to change your plans or activities. You may have an urgent issue, a last-minute meeting, or an unexpected opportunity. You may also have different needs, preferences, and moods at different times.

That’s why you need to be flexible and adjust your break strategy accordingly. You can reschedule your break, shorten it, or extend it. You can also change your activity, location, or partner. The important thing is to find a way to take a break that works for you and your circumstances.

Taking a break is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It can help you improve your performance, well-being, and satisfaction as a sales manager. So, don’t hesitate to take a break when you need it, and follow these tips to make it the best break possible.