Neuroscientist names ways to survive the six-day work week

A six-day work week is a challenge for the brain, as it does not get enough time to recover, which makes a person less productive, emotionally vulnerable and physically exhausted. Neuroscientist Tatiana Smirnova announced this on Wednesday, December 18. She also named ways that will help to survive this period more easily.

According to the expert, the first thing to do is to make a plan.

"A clear schedule helps to reduce the level of cortisol (stress hormone) and increase the level of dopamine, responsible for motivation," she explained in a conversation with Lenta.Ru.

Neurobiologist recommended dividing the day into 1.5-2-hour blocks and do after each of them 10-15-minute break, distracted by warming up, a walk or a conversation with colleagues.

Since during increased workload the brain actively consumes glucose and B vitamins, which are involved in the production of serotonin, the expert advised to add to the diet foods rich in complex carbohydrates (cereal, whole-grain bread), omega-3 (fish, nuts) and magnesium (greens, bananas). At the same time, you should avoid large amounts of coffee and sweets: they give a quick boost of energy, but after that comes a sharp decline.

Smirnova added that with a six-day work week it is especially important to observe sleep hygiene. To do this, it is necessary to go to bed at the same time and turn off gadgets two hours before bedtime.

With a six-day week, it's also important to consciously limit stressors.

"Every evening write down three things for which you are grateful for the passing day - from a cup of delicious tea to the successful completion of a difficult task," Smirnova concluded.

The day before, representatives of the Ministry of Labor said that Russian regions can independently establish a non-working day on December 28, 2024, reports aif.ru.

The initiative was put forward by State Duma deputy Stanislav Naumov. He proposed to make Saturday, December 28, to which the working day was moved from December 30, a day off, reports the Moscow city news agency .

On December 16, Russian Minister of Labor and Social Development Anton Kotyakov reminded that Russians will have three days off before the New Year vacations: December 29, 30 and 31, RT reports.

December 30 will be a day off due to the transfer of the working day to December 28, 360.ru reports. The day off, which falls on January 7, was moved to December 31, reports NSN.

As a result, the New Year holidays will last 11 days - from December 29, 2024 to January 8, 2025, as specified on the website kp.ru.