What is the 52 17 rule?
Sam Nitzsche
2025-07-23 05:14:28
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: 12
The most productive people work for 52 minutes at a time, then break for 17 minutes before getting back to it. The employees with the highest productivity ratings, in fact, don't even work eight-hour days. Turns out, the secret to retaining the highest level of productivity over the span of a workday is not working longer—but working smarter with frequent breaks. They make the most of those 52 minutes by working with intense purpose, but then rest up to be ready for the next burst. In other words, they work with purpose. Working with purpose can also be called the 100% dedication theory—the notion that whatever you do, you do it full-on. Therefore, during the 52 minutes of work, you’re dedicated to accomplishing tasks, getting things done, and making progress. Whereas, during the 17 minutes of break, you’re completely removed from the work you’re doing—you’re entirely resting, not peeking at your email every five minutes or just “quickly checking Facebook.”
Jeanne Mante
2025-07-23 00:55:42
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: 16
Scientists have even figured out the perfect formula for this break, down to the minute. It's the 52/17 rule: 52 minutes on, 17 minutes off. This week, we'd like you to try this 52/17 method. Use a timer, if you'd like, and stick to the rules: when you're working, you can't do anything else. Then, when you're doing your 17 minutes off, you must be equally strict about not working. Call a friend. Stare off into space. Take a walk or a bathroom break. Anything but work. Downtime replenishes attention and motivation, creativity and productivity. Not only will you be helping your brain process information and keep it and memory intact, you'll be upping your productivity as well.
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