It's 3:45 PM. Your high-stakes client call just wrapped up. What's your next move?
For years, my answer was simple: dive headfirst into the next task, riding the adrenaline wave of productivity. It felt good, efficient, necessary.
But was it really?
Today, my post-call ritual looks different. Instead of hunching over my keyboard, I'm outside, barefoot, navigating a stone-covered path in my backyard. This carefully crafted 15-minute buffer has revolutionized my workday.
The secret weapon? Reclaim.ai, a tool that automagically reworks personal habits into my meeting schedule, including building these short breaks after each call.
At first, I resisted my own idea. A whole 15 minutes of "doing nothing" felt indulgent given the number of calls I have each week. Irresponsible, even. Especially across the business day, week, and month.
But here's what I've learned: these brief interludes are my key to sustained energy, creativity, and focus.
Why does it work? The uneven terrain gives a light balance challenge, counteracting the stillness spent at my desk. Fresh air clears my mind, facilitating smoother transitions between tasks. Going from an air-conditioned office into the hot, dry summer air activates my senses. And grounding—literally connecting with the earth—reduces stress and inflammation.
But here's the real magic: by embracing these small moments of reset, I've reclaimed my workday. I'm more present in meetings, knowing I'll have time to process afterward. I solve problems, get new ideas, and prioritize my activities during these little breaks.
And at the day's end, I feel energized, not depleted. (Which is essential as I exit my office and go back into family mode.)
The modern workday isn't a marathon—it's interval training. Intense focus, followed by brief recovery. Rinse. Repeat.
So, what could your 15-minute reset look like? A brisk walk? A stretching session? Mindful breathing? The specifics matter less than the commitment to pause.
Remember, sometimes the key to doing more is giving yourself permission to do nothing at all. Even if just for 15 minutes a few times a day.
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