TAKE A BRAIN BREAK

Liam James Collins, a coaching trainer and co-founder of The Coaching Masters, shares five reasons why we should all give our grey matter time out:

1 Rest plays a critical role in the functioning of our immune system. Taking a break can help your body repair and restore, ensuring it is functioning properly.

2 When we work our minds intensely we can become preoccupied and lose sight of initial goals. Taking a break can help you realise what you need to get done, help create a clear plan and give you a newfound viewpoint.

3 If we’re not rested it’s easy to get distracted and prioritise pointless tasks, because we feel we should be working. Taking breaks can help you establish where you should be focused, and channel your priorities. Plus, when we rest or take a break, we analyse what we have learnt.

4 Spending time trying to come up with an innovative idea can be counterproductive, but with regular breaks you allow solutions to come to you rather than chasing them.

5 Our bodies are not designed to cope with excessive stress. Taking breaks when you start to feel overwhelmed is the best way to stop it in its tracks. Listen to your body: if you feel like you need a break, take one.