When you have a big project, the best strategy sometimes seems to be to buckle down and work work work until the thing is done. This, according to scientists who study productivity, turns out to be quite counterproductive. In the latest Science of Us animation, find out the ideal amount of time you should work before taking a break, and why taking a nap is the busy person’s secret productivity weapon.

While you’re on your self-assigned break, mosey on over to the archives for our animated series, including last week’s episode on how to keep a few small shreds of the happiness you gained from your vacation — even when you’re back at the office. Now get to work! By which we mean, don’t.