Pauses

Invigorating pauses during work were studied at Harvard University by Francesca Gino. The results showed clearly how they interfere in our performance, ethics, and even our life decisions.

So, let me tell you about one of the studies they did with judges.

Overall, judges are considered rational, well balanced, and carry out Justice based on facts and the law. But, they’re also human beings and are subject to daily rhythms and chronobiology all the same. The Israeli study, when paired with the one Harvard did inside the courts, came to the following conclusion.

At early morning, prisoners had a higher chance of being heard by the judge. Then, similar or even exactly like those dealt at 11:45 AM had almost zero changes of ending in a positive result. After an invigorating pause in the mid-afternoon — perfect time for a pick-me-up and a walk — the results went back to being positive, as in the morning. Conclusion: if you’re ever in trouble, ask your lawyer to put you in front of a judge before 11:45 AM or after the takes a break!

According to DeskTime, a company specialized in efficient breaks, you should take a break of 17 minutes for every 52 minutes of work.

During this invigorating pause, I’ll ask you to meditate for one minute.