What is most effective, work non-stop for hours or in 90-minute intervals with a 20-minute break between them? According to science, the second variant is most effective and healthier, too. This conclusion is closely related to the ultradian rhythm. Like the circadian rhythm, it is a kind of biological clock that works during life.
While the circadian rhythm refers to the 24-hour cycle, the ultra-dynamic rhythm takes place over a shorter period of 90-120 minutes. These cycles are associated with brain wave frequencies.
Ultradiane rhythms also occur during sleep, being associated with its different phases. These phases also take place in the waking state. Studies have found that many things are affected by these cycles, such as dopamine levels, alert status and, in particular, attention. A 1993 study by psychologist Anders Ericsson revealed that the best violinists practiced in three innings, 90 minutes each with breaks between them.
The level of dopamine in the brain influences the ability to make decisions
The level of dopamine in the brain influences the ability to make decisions, with a direct impact on everyday life, according to a study by British researchers. Dopamine, a substance secreted by the brain that plays an important role in determining mood, could have a direct impact on everyday life.
The experiment by British researchers tested the assumption that alternating dopamine levels in the brain affect the analytical decision-making process.
Thus, for the 61 participants, 80 holiday destinations were proposed, from Greece to Thailand, and they were asked to give them an attractiveness score on a scale from one to six. The first time the subjects were given sugar and were asked to imagine themselves in those destinations. Secondly, they were given an L-Dopa drug, generally used in the treatment of people with Parkinson's disease to increase dopamine levels in the brain. It was found that those who had a high level of substance had higher expectations when giving holiday destinations and choosing accordingly.
The study confirmed that dopamine plays an important role in the design of pleasure associated with different future moments. Study Coordinator Tali Sharot of UCL University concluded that dopamine plays an important role in the process of making important decisions, whether it's about choosing a job or setting up a family.
Sharot said:
When we consider more options for making life decisions, dopamine plays an important role because it signals the pleasures associated with certain possible events in the future. Depending on these signals we make some choices.
He also said that addicts, heroin or gambling, tended to overestimate the pleasure he might feel in association with a particular activity, because the system that regulates their dopamine levels is dysfunctional.
Food is a lot of people's therapy - when we say comfort food, we really mean that. It's releasing dopamine and serotonin in your brain that makes you feel good. - Brett Hoebel - Quote Source -
Conclusion:
No matter what the scientist says, I think that is very important for someone who works a lot to take a lot more breaks because the brain is the engine that gives us the strength to keep going every day! If you push it too hard, one day it might leave you behind.
- What do you think about it?
- Are you taking a break after a 90 minutes work?
- Let us know what opinions or suggestions you have!