This Is What Happens To Your Brain When You're In Meetings All Day

Core Insights - The article discusses the negative impact of back-to-back meetings on stress levels and productivity, highlighting the importance of breaks during meetings [4][11][19] Group 1: Meeting Overload and Stress - A Microsoft study found that attending multiple meetings without breaks leads to increased beta wave activity in the brain, indicating heightened stress levels [5][7] - Participants who had no breaks showed a significant rise in stress with each successive meeting, while those who took breaks maintained stable beta activity [7][19] - The anticipation of the next meeting also contributed to increased stress levels among participants without breaks [5] Group 2: Engagement and Productivity - Breaks between meetings resulted in positive frontal alpha asymmetry, suggesting higher mental engagement compared to those who did not take breaks [8][10] - A survey of 76 companies indicated that reducing meetings by 40% more than doubled employee productivity, as employees felt more empowered and accountable [12] Group 3: Recommendations for Breaks - Experts recommend avoiding distractions like checking emails during breaks and instead suggest engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as short walks or breathing exercises [13][14] - Organizations are encouraged to foster a culture that allows for breaks by scheduling meetings to end slightly early, providing time for transition [18]