How distractions can sometimes make work better

On a Friday afternoon, after a series of back-to-back meetings, my eyes caught an email notification about the farewell party for our MSIB interns next week. The email wasn’t just an invitation—it also included a voting form for a few fun categories, like "Most Social Butterfly," "Friendliest," and "MVP" (not just for the interns, but also for the mentors involved in the program). It instantly made me smile. (Thank you Arifah Dea Riwinda and Risqa Amanda to make it happen)

Seeing the enthusiasm reflected in the voting process, along with the pictures they had shared, really brightened my day. It was such a simple yet thoughtful distraction—one that took me less than 10 minutes to complete—but it worked wonders. That brief, light-hearted detour allowed me to recharge mentally.

And this is a perfect example of how distractions can actually make work better. While we often think of distractions as productivity killers, a well-timed break can refresh our minds and boost our overall focus. When you step away for a moment, even for something as small as voting for fun categories, it gives your brain a chance to reset. This mental reset helps you approach the next task with renewed energy and clarity.

In my case, that quick distraction gave me enough of a mental refresh to power through another meeting—despite knowing the weekend was just around the corner. It's the kind of break that prevents burnout, promotes creativity, and ultimately makes you more efficient in the long run. A brief moment of joy or diversion, even during a busy day, can be the perfect remedy to sustain focus and productivity when you need it most. So, rather than viewing distractions purely as negative, think of them as tools for mental recovery and creativity—when used wisely!