Impact of Break Activities on Brain Function: A Study from the University of Berlin

Introduction to Work Culture and Breaks

In modern industrialized societies, a prevailing work-centric mentality often leads to feelings of guilt associated with taking breaks. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as “hustle culture,” raises concerns about its impact on health. There is a tendency to glorify overworking, sacrificing sleep, and neglecting self-care. In academic environments, students frequently perceive breaks as unproductive. However, recent research is increasingly focused on the significance of breaks, self-care, and rest periods, exploring their potential benefits.

Study Overview

Researchers at the University of Berlin conducted a study to investigate how various break activities affect brain functioning. While previous studies have suggested that the type of break taken influences performance on challenging tasks, the specific brain changes associated with these activities remain underexplored. Prior research indicates that activities requiring higher cognitive control and inducing tension may negatively impact cognitive performance.

Research Methodology

The study, published in PLOS ONE, aimed to evaluate the effects of three common break activities—resting, listening to music, and video gaming—on higher-level brain function during a working memory updating task. The research involved 24 native German participants, each of whom engaged in all three break activities over three separate lab visits. Each session included three fMRI scans: one for brain anatomy, an 8-minute and 30-second break for one of the activities, and a final scan during the working memory task. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) measures blood flow variations in the brain, which correlates with activity levels in different regions. Participants’ heart rates were also monitored, and they rated their relaxation or tension after each break activity.

Findings on Gaming and Working Memory

The researchers discovered no direct effect of break activities on working memory performance. However, when self-ratings of relaxation were factored into the analysis, a significant correlation emerged. Lower performance on the working memory task was associated with decreased self-reported relaxation following a gaming break. Additionally, a rise in heart rate during gaming was linked to poorer performance on the task afterward. The fMRI scans further revealed a notable reduction in activity in the supplementary motor area (SMA) after gaming compared to after listening to music.

Need for Further Research

While the study indicated a negative relationship between video gaming and memory performance, the researchers emphasized the novelty of these findings and the necessity for more extensive research to validate this association. They acknowledged limitations, such as not accounting for other influencing factors, using only one specific song and game, and the small participant sample size. Future research should address these limitations to provide clearer insights into the most effective break activities for enhancing productivity across various age groups.

Conclusion

Continued investigation into the effects of break activities on cognitive performance holds promise for discovering beneficial practices that could enhance productivity and well-being in both work and academic settings.

References

Definition of COGNITIVE. (2019). Retrieved 19 October 2019, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cognitive
Liu, S., Kaufmann, C., Labadie, C., Ströhle, A., Kuschpel, M., & Garbusow, M. et al. (2019). Short-term effects of video gaming on brain response during working memory performance. PLOS ONE, 14(10), e0223666. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223666
Magnetic Resonance, Functional (fMRI) – Brain. (2019). Retrieved 19 October 2019, from https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=fmribrain