How Taking Breaks Boosts Creativity and Productivity
At Porch, we believe that sometimes the best way to move forward is to take a step back. It might sound counterintuitive, but hitting the pause button can be the key to unlocking the next big idea or powering through a challenging project.
In the rhythm of daily work, it’s easy to feel like we have to be “on” all the time. But constant output without the right kind of input can lead to burnout, not breakthroughs. The real secret to staying productive and creative? Rest. Not the kind of rest where you’re distractedly scrolling through your phone, but intentional breaks that refresh your mind and open new perspectives.
Why Breaks Are Part of the Process
At Porch, we don’t treat breaks as a side note to productivity; they’re woven into how we work. That mid-day walk, the ten minutes away from the screen, or even just stepping outside for some fresh air—these aren’t distractions from our job. They’re moments where creativity has room to breathe.
Think of it like this: creativity is a muscle. If you don’t give it time to recover, it’s harder to flex. A break allows your mind to shift gears and return with new energy, often bringing clarity or fresh ideas to problems that seemed unsolvable before. And we’ve seen it in action—our best ideas often come after we’ve stepped away for a bit.
Building Breaks into the Workflow
One thing we’ve found valuable at Porch is integrating breaks into the natural flow of the day. It’s not about walking away when things get tough, but strategically stepping back to let thoughts simmer. For us, this isn’t just encouraged—it’s considered part of being productive. Meetings often include moments of reflection where everyone takes a few minutes to absorb information before moving forward. We also give ourselves permission to take personal time to recharge without guilt or feeling like we’re stepping away from the work.
Finding the Right Kind of Break
The key is finding what kind of break works best for you. For some, it’s physical movement—walking, stretching, or even a workout. For others, it’s a quiet moment with a book or some music. At Porch, we encourage each team member to find what sparks their own creativity, even if it’s just changing up their environment. Remote work has given us the flexibility to design our workspaces, including the “break spaces” we need to recharge and refocus.
The Impact on Team Dynamics
Breaks don’t just benefit individual productivity—they elevate the entire team. At Porch, we’ve seen how regular rest brings new energy into collaboration. When individuals return from a break refreshed, team discussions are livelier, brainstorming sessions are more dynamic, and problem-solving is faster. Creativity is contagious when everyone is coming to the table with a clear, refreshed mind.
Incorporating rest into your day isn’t about losing momentum—it’s about gaining it. At Porch, we see breaks as opportunities for growth, not obstacles to overcome. By embracing regular pauses, we sustain high levels of productivity and creativity, ensuring that when we work, we’re not just going through the motions—we’re delivering our best. So, the next time you feel stuck, try taking a break. You might be surprised at what comes to you when you give your mind the space it needs to wander.