How to Take a Real Break During the Workday Instead of a Fake One
By the Lucero Editorial Team \u00b7 Updated 2026-08-09 \u00b7 4 min read
TL;DR
A real break involves genuinely stepping away from screens and work-adjacent thinking, not just switching to a different screen. Short, deliberate breaks away from the desk restore focus more than scrolling at the desk does.
Switching tabs is not a break
Scrolling social media or checking other tabs keeps the same kind of mental engagement active, which does not restore focus the way stepping away does.
Physically move if possible
Standing up and moving, even briefly, tends to reset focus more effectively than staying seated during a break.
Keep it genuinely short
A break does not need to be long to be effective; five focused minutes away from the desk often works better than a long, distracted one.
Pair with a working rhythm
Built-in breaks work best as part of a structured rhythm, like the Pomodoro technique, rather than only taken when already exhausted.
Frequently asked questions
Is checking my phone during a break actually restful?
Generally less than stepping away entirely, since it keeps similar attention patterns active rather than genuinely resetting focus.
How often should real breaks happen during a workday?
Short breaks every hour or so tend to work well for most people, though this varies with the type of work being done.
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