This is how you should be taking your breaks from work

The whole planet seems stressed, exhausted and too bloody busy to take a break right now, okay?

But this all-action, no-break lifestyle is not only unsustainable but impossible.

Here are some science-backed tips to help you maximise that much-needed downtime - and boost your productivity in the process, as a study found that even brief breaks can significantly increase your ability to focus.

1. Step away from the screen

Scrolling through Twitter is not a good way to reboot your brain, whereas going for a walk can relieve stress, reduce fatigue and boost your mood. What's not to like?

2. Socialise

You know from the last point that this is not an excuse to tweet or text.

Strong social ties at work can boost productivity and even make employees more passionate about their work, according to a study.

3. Take a break every 52 minutes

Though we're sure every 51 or 53 minutes would do the trick too.

Short burst of productivity is one of the best ways to keep yourself on track.

And thanks to analysis of 5.5 million workers by Pomodoro, we know that the top 10 per cent of workers all concentrated for 52 minutes before taking a 17 minute break.

Relaxing is an exact science.

4. Feed your mind

Don't worry, not with crosswords or Sudoku - but with food.

Your brain is at its best with a consistent level of glucose in your blood.

A study found that protein is the best booster, as the only macronutrient to enhance cognitive abilities longer than 15 - 20 minutes after digestion.

5. Simply sit

What a relief.

No need to stress too much over your relaxation.

Simply sitting and daydreaming gives our prefrontal cortex - which deals with all the complex processes you need to work - a hard-earned rest.

HT Fast Company

More: The secret to being more productive at work