Maximize Meeting Productivity with 5-Minute Breaks
Happy Friday! I hope you’re having a productive week or great summer holidays! Today, I want to touch on a topic 5-minutes breaks which is very important for all of us.
One Topic: 5-minutes breaks between meetings.
Let’s talk about something most of us face every day—back-to-back meetings with barely a minute to breathe. Ever found yourself rushing from one Zoom call to another, wishing you had just five minutes to reset?
Those tiny gaps between meetings, those precious few minutes, can make a world of difference. Whether it’s to grab a glass of water, take a restroom break, or just stretch your legs—those small pauses are more than just breaks; they’re essential. Here’s why.
The Science Behind 5-Minutes Breaks
Research shows our brains aren’t wired for non-stop focus. We might think we’re multitasking pros, but in reality, our cognitive performance dips when we try to run at full speed without a break. Studies suggest that taking even a 5-minute break between meetings can significantly improve concentration, reduce stress, and even boost creativity.
The Pomodoro Technique is a well-known method that follows this principle: work for 25 minutes, take a short break, and repeat. These bursts of focused work followed by intentional breaks keep your mind sharp and energy levels steady throughout the day.
How to Make the Most of Meeting Gaps
Don’t just let those 5-minute gaps slip by with mindless scrolling or zoning out. Use that time to recharge intentionally. Step away from your screen, do a few stretches, take deep breaths, or reflect on the meeting you just had. Even a quick walk around your workspace can re-energize you.
Top executives use these small breaks between high-stakes meetings to reset mentally. They understand that preserving mental energy is just as crucial as managing their schedules. If CEOs can make time for these small breaks, so can you!
Simple Changes, Big Results
Incorporating 5-minute breaks between meetings isn’t just about relaxation; it’s about creating a sustainable work rhythm. If you’ve ever ended your day feeling completely drained, try scheduling your meetings with intentional gaps. It’s a simple change, but you might be surprised at how much more energy and focus you have by the end of the day.
Leadership isn’t just about making big decisions—it’s about making smart choices for your well-being. Taking care of your mind and body during your workday makes you a more effective leader and teammate. So, prioritize those 5-minute gaps and watch how it transforms your workday.
The Takeaway
Let’s change how we think about breaks between meetings. They aren’t wasted time—they’re necessary recovery periods that allow you to bring your best self to each conversation. Start small. Make those 5-minute gaps a priority, and see how they change the way you work and feel.
Remember to pause, breathe, and recharge.
Read last week’s JustDraft newsletter about CEO of Life.
Two Quotes
Success isn’t about speed, it’s about finding the rhythm that sustains you.
The smartest strategy is often knowing when to pause, not when to push forward.
One Passage
“Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint. A hallmark of grit is having resilience in the face of challenges and the ability to overcome setbacks while keeping your long-term goals in mind.”
📚 From “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth.
