How to Take Better Breaks at Work artwork

How to Take Better Breaks at Work

Harvard Business Review

July 14, 2026

How to Take Better Breaks at Work 10 Feb 2025 --- The science behind what makes a good break, and proven tips for making them a regular part of the day. Read the full article by Kira Schabram and Christopher M. Barnes here: https://s.hbr.org/40TjZVp Learn more about your ad choices.
Speakers: Paris Hilton
**SPEAKER_1** (0:05)
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**Paris Hilton** (0:30)
Hey babes, it's Paris Hilton. So I was checking my points balance in the Hilton Honors app the other day. And yeah, I've got about a billion, which feels excessive, even for me. Just kidding. You can never have too many Hilton Honors points. And I want to do something iconic this summer. So I'm giving away all my Paris points. Just find somewhere you've always wanted to stay, then go to my socials or Hilton's and tell me about it. Just make sure you're a Hilton Honors member and I might be sending you Paris points. Because when you want points that make your summer even hotter, it matters where you stay.

**SPEAKER_3** (1:00)
Our brains aren't built for nonstop work. Just like a high performance engine, we need to refuel. Brakes reduce stress, improve creativity, and keep us from burning out. So why don't we take them more often? Cultural pressure, hustle mentality, and even guilt make brakes feel like a luxury and not a necessity. Still, a lot of us sneak in hidden brakes throughout our workdays. We scroll on our phones or zone out during Zoom calls, but these things don't actually recharge us. So how do we get better at taking the time we need? Not all brakes are created equal. The best ones follow these five rules. Even just a few minutes can reduce stress and improve your focus. Longer brakes are great too, but frequency matters more than the duration. Take a short walk, stretch, or do light physical activity. This boosts energy and clears brain fog. If you find a task draining, let yourself step away from it. Mindfulness, daydreaming, or even light creative work like doodling can reset your focus. Catch up with a colleague or grab lunch with a friend. Positive social interactions improve your mood and your productivity. Running an errand, playing with your pet, or even a quick household task can ease your mental load and help you return to work more refreshed.

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