10 x recognizable work-avoidant behavior
When you're working, it can happen that your concentration suddenly lets you down. Sometimes you just need to take a short break and do something else, so you can work better afterwards. In fact: the law of Illich states that our productivity decreases after 90 minutes and that we should therefore take a small break every hour and a half. What do we do during that break? Most likely one of the work-avoiding hobbies listed below.
1. Social media
Of course, you need to scroll aimlessly on Instagram from time to time. You wouldn't want to miss something from your friends, who are also just working. I would call this more of an addiction than a nice break, because often you don't really feel better afterwards, let alone more productive.
2. Getting coffee
A little walk to your coffee shop to get yet another coffee always really refreshes you. So I call this a useful way to spend your mini break. Then back to bouncing behind that laptop.
3. Searching for plane tickets
Sometimes you drown in self-pity on a heavy workday and decide that you really need a vacation. This break does you good: you immediately start looking for the best flight deals and can already see yourself lying on the beach. A nice prospect that allows you to work a bit longer.
4. Doing laundry
This break has of course been added in the last two years due to all that working from home. Normally, you never look forward to this, but on a workday, doing laundry suddenly becomes part of your break. A little movement can't hurt, and after a long workday, we don't feel like it; two birds with one stone.
5. Looking into your phone's camera
Or walking past a mirror. We want to regularly check how we look during a workday. When we have barely slept and our reflection resembles The Walking Dead, this break is not very beneficial for our productivity.
6. Online shopping
This is a very dangerous one, especially when you sit behind your laptop all day for work. It can happen that during such a break, you suddenly find yourself staring at Net-A-Porter for a very long time. You'd better close those tabs completely after your break, otherwise they'll stare at you all day.
7. Making restaurant reservations
Of course, during a workweek, you're also busy planning your weekend. Making reservations in between, just in case everything is full later, is always handy. This break gives you satisfaction because it's a small task that you can immediately let go of afterwards. And something to look forward to, so you can easily keep working.
8. Painting your nails
Quickly applying some polish over those unkempt nails can easily be done from your desk. A small break, but with a big result. You immediately feel prettier and ready to successfully continue your workday.
9. Short workout
Sometimes it's nice to do a 7-minute workout in the middle of the workday. After all, you sit in the same position all day, which is definitely not good for your back. You can also look at things more fresh afterwards. Clear your head and keep going: success guaranteed.
10. Grocery shopping
Just like the coffee break, a walk to the supermarket can sometimes be a great break from your day. Getting a nice lunch and immediately picking up dinner means you won't have to do that later. After work, grocery shopping is a chore, but during work, it's an amazing outing.
