In today’s nonstop work culture, many employees believe powering through the day without pausing is the best way to stay productive. But the research says otherwise: one of the most effective ways to stay focused and perform well is also one of the simplest—taking short, restorative breaks.
A particularly compelling study from the University of Illinois found that even brief diversions can dramatically improve concentration. In the experiment, participants tasked with a repetitive 50-minute assignment showed a steady decline in performance over time. But those who were given two short breaks during the task experienced no such drop. The conclusion? Our brains aren’t wired for long, unbroken periods of focus. As the study’s lead author, Professor Alejandro Lleras, put it: “Brief mental breaks will actually help you stay focused on your task.”
The mechanism is simple: taking a pause helps you “reset” your mental attention, so when you return to the task, your brain is more alert and engaged. Even micro-breaks—as short as a few seconds to a couple of minutes—can make a measurable difference in performance, energy, and mood.
But not all breaks are created equal. Many of us default to scrolling through our phones or checking Slack between meetings, which may keep our brains stimulated but doesn’t offer the cognitive recovery we actually need. In contrast, short, intentional activities—like stretching, breathing deeply, or expressing gratitude—can lower stress, restore focus, and even boost creativity.
That’s the power behind AdaRose boosts: short, evidence-based activities designed to give your mind a genuine reset in the flow of your day. Delivered via SMS (no app to download, no login required), each boost offers a moment of pause that’s tailored to your preferences.
The best part? Boosts meet you where you are. Everyone receives boosts that are personalized to their own journey. They fit naturally into those everyday in-between moments when you’re already shifting gears: right after a meeting, between tasks, or while you wait for the coffee to brew. Rather than filling those spaces with more noise, boosts create a small window for clarity.
For teams, the ripple effects are even more powerful. When employees build a shared culture around meaningful micro-breaks, the benefits multiply: stronger focus, less burnout, and better collaboration. Wellness doesn’t have to mean a big program or an elaborate platform. Sometimes it just starts with a two-minute pause.
And sometimes, a little boost goes a long way.
