Why should I take regular breaks from my screen?

Your brain's prefrontal cortex, responsible for focus and decision-making, depletes its glucose reserves after about 25-30 minutes of concentrated work. This metabolic limitation is why the Pomodoro Technique recommends working in focused 25-minute sessions followed by 5-minute breaks.

During these breaks, physical movement is essential—standing up, stretching, or walking briefly helps restore blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Research from the University of Illinois found that brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one's ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods.

The break also activates your brain's diffuse thinking mode, allowing it to process information subconsciously, which often leads to creative insights when you return to work.