Many of us feel pressure to stay late at the office -- we'd hate to be the first to leave, and we want our supervisors to think we're working hard. This thinking is antiquated. The arbitrary nine-to-five schedule was instituted in the 1800s, but it doesn't align with what we know about how we work best. In truth, we should be working fewer, smarter hours: People often confuse busyness for productivity, and the mixup can lead to tired, stressed-out and unproductive employees.
When should we work instead? When we are most productive. Every individual will have a productivity pattern that differs from another's. But there's a general rule that should be shared by everyone: Breaks should be taken throughout the day. Without purposeful pauses, our brains don't have time to recover and process information. Check out the infographic below to learn more about how you can become a passionate, powerful and productive employee.
Also on HuffPost:
7 Ways To De-Stress In A Minute Or Less
1. Take A Deep Breath(01 of07)
Breathing exercises aren't just for seasoned yogis and practiced meditators; they can work for anyone. Taking a deep breath is a simple, effective way to calm your mind and give you perspective. Plus, deep breathing can release endorphins in your body, which will up your sense of well-being and make you feel more at ease, according to Livestrong. (credit:Shutterstock)
2. Shout It Out(02 of07)
Go ahead, be a baby -- but only for a moment.Feeling frustrated, stressed, overwhelmed? Let it out! (Preferably in an underpopulated place.) We all know the feeling of bottling an emotion inside for too long -- and then when it finally comes out, it's all wrong. Make an executive decision to remove yourself from a stressful situation to let it out in private. This way, you won't mistakenly direct your frustration at an undeserving bystander. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="15" data-vars-position-in-unit="19">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94953676@N00/286064713" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="jessicafm" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/94953676@N00/286064713" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="16" data-vars-position-in-unit="20">jessicafm</a>)
3. Visualize A Peaceful Place(03 of07)
Sounds simple (and it is), but looking at soothing scenery or a location you love can help cool your boiling blood. Even if you can't physically get there, a mini mental vacation will bring you closer to your happy place. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="13" data-vars-position-in-unit="17">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59928626@N05/8111888464" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="lcnjennyliu" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59928626@N05/8111888464" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="14" data-vars-position-in-unit="18">lcnjennyliu</a>)
4. Turn On Your Favorite Tune(04 of07)
It's no secret that music is a stress-reliever, and your favorite jam can help put things into perspective. Try this: Resolve that once the song is over, you will feel more at peace. Need some help in the music department? Check out our playlist. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="10" data-vars-position-in-unit="14">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7972895@N02/8008281573" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="miggslives" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7972895@N02/8008281573" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="11" data-vars-position-in-unit="15">miggslives</a>)
5. Peel An Orange(05 of07)
Wondering how scraping a rind can help you chill out? Well, aromatherapy has been linked to reduced stress levels in adults. While you might not have any therapuetic oils on hand, chances are you can find a citrus in your crisper to peel. Take a whiff of the soothing scent and think of it as a luxurious, DIY essential oil. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="6" data-vars-position-in-unit="10">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/79841314@N07/7318396028" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="BuzzFarmers" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/79841314@N07/7318396028" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="7" data-vars-position-in-unit="11">BuzzFarmers</a>)
6. Pet Your Pooch(06 of07)
If you have a pet and you're feeling tense, do yourself (and your furry pal) a favor and show some love. According to the National Center for Infectious Diseases, spending time with your pet can decrease blood pressure. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="3" data-vars-position-in-unit="7">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61508583@N02/7826238440" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Phil. Wendler" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/61508583@N02/7826238440" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="4" data-vars-position-in-unit="8">Phil. Wendler</a>)
7. Clean Your Desk(07 of07)
All that physical clutter could be a reflection of what's happening inside. Stack the papers, trash those plastic utensils and give your desk a nice dust-off with an antibacterial wipe. It'll just take a minute, with the potential to reset your workflow and clear your head. (credit:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Flickr" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="0" data-vars-position-in-unit="4">Flickr</a>:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47477979@N00/8104126191" role="link" class=" js-entry-link cet-external-link" data-vars-item-name="Stephen Cummings" data-vars-item-type="text" data-vars-unit-name="55c50b93e4b0923c12bcea4d" data-vars-unit-type="buzz_body" data-vars-target-content-id="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47477979@N00/8104126191" data-vars-target-content-type="url" data-vars-type="web_external_link" data-vars-subunit-name="before_you_go_slideshow" data-vars-subunit-type="component" data-vars-position-in-subunit="1" data-vars-position-in-unit="5">Stephen Cummings</a>)