How to get proper rest to increase your productivity

New studies by foreign scientists show that rest maximizes performance if it is associated with leaving the comfort zone and with new experiences.

Traveling, camping, or just taking a walk in the park has a positive effect on productivity, creativity, stress reduction, and new ideas.

Vacation by itself does not always prevent burnout, which is a problem for many people lately, and does not always increase productivity. However, new research has shown that spending time outside the home can have a positive effect on performance.

“Productivity, creativity, promotion of new ideas – this is not about the person who works very many hours. This is about someone who goes beyond their daily life. “– said Kathy Denis, vice president and lead researcher for Project: Time Off.

How fatigue affects our productivity

Working 24/7 can lead to a range of physical and psychological health problems, such as:

• stress;
• depression;
• fatigue;
• body aches;
• tachycardia.

“Numerous studies show that we have a limited pool of cognitive resources. When you are constantly depleting your resources, you are not performing as productively as you could.

If you run out of energy, you will notice a decrease in performance. You can try less and constantly have problems solving problems “, Said Allison Gabrielle, assistant professor of management at Virginia Commonwealth University.

How to properly rest in order to restore your resources?

Research by Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, author of the book “Positive”has shown that the positive emotions we experience during a relaxing or fun vacation make us more inventive. This, in turn, helps us to think outside the box and find ways to solve bigger problems.

Research also shows that when you leave the office and spend time with friends and family, you form new memories that bring you closer to them. It makes you feel happy, fulfilled, and energized, which can make you more productive.

Researchers at the University of Michigan examined the cognitive benefits of Attention Recovery Theory (ART). After the students completed the cognitive test, they were divided into two groups, and one group was sent for a walk along the streets of Ann Arbor, and the other in the arboretum.

Two groups were tested again upon return, and it was found that students who went to the arboretum received higher scores.

According to this study, spending a little time outside the office in nature can improve both your focus and performance.