In the high-performance culture and the fast-paced world of work, every moment seems accounted for, leaving little time for pause, reflection, or recovery. But what if you could reclaim just a few minutes each hour to recharge and refocus? Enter the concept of “slivers of recovery”—tiny pockets of time that can make a big difference to your energy, mood, and productivity. This week, let’s explore a simple meeting hack for integrating slivers of recovery into your day.
The Power of Five Minutes
Picture this: You’ve just wrapped up a meeting and immediately need to jump into the next one. No time to grab a glass of water, reflect on the discussion, or even take a deep breath. Sound familiar?
By shortening your meetings—say, a 30-minute meeting to 25 minutes or an hour-long one to 55 minutes—you can carve out those five precious minutes. These slivers of time might seem small, but their impact can be significant.
Here’s how you can use those extra minutes:
- Rehydrate: Grab a glass of water to stay hydrated and maintain focus, check out our hydration hack from last week.
- Reflect: Jot down key takeaways or action points from your last meeting.
- Reset: Take a moment to stretch, breathe deeply, or even step outside for a quick mental refresh and some fresh air.
- Recharge: Pet your dog or cat, gaze out the window, or engage in another simple activity that helps you relax.
How to Make It Happen
Start by reviewing your calendar for the day. Look at each meeting and ask yourself:
- Can this meeting be shorter?
Challenge the assumption that every meeting needs to fill its allotted time. Often, a 30-minute conversation can be just as effective in 25 minutes. - Can I suggest a change?
If you’re not the meeting organiser, propose the idea of shaving off five minutes. You might be surprised by how well it’s received—many people appreciate the chance to reclaim a bit of time. - Can I use this time wisely?
Make a plan for how you’ll use those reclaimed minutes for the best advantage, and map your slivers of recovery. Whether it’s a quick break or a moment to refocus, having a purpose for those minutes can make them even more valuable.
Why It Works
These small breaks aren’t just about convenience—they’re essential for maintaining your wellbeing and performance. Slivers of recovery help:
- Prevent burnout: Regular breaks give your brain the chance to reset, reducing stress.
- Boost productivity: Pausing between tasks helps you approach the next one with renewed focus and clarity.
- Enhance creativity: Moments of reflection often lead to fresh ideas and perspectives.
Give this Simple Meeting Hack a Try
Today, take a look at your calendar and challenge yourself to reclaim a few minutes from your meetings. It’s a small change, but it could have a big impact on your day. Why not introduce it across your team, and even your whole organisation? Everyone no matter their seniority or career stage would benefit from these micro-moments throughout their day.
Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear if this simple meeting hack works for you. Remember, every little sliver of recovery adds up to a more balanced, productive, and fulfilling workday.
Slivers of Recovery: 12 Ideas to Get You Started
