A coffee break, taking a walk around the block, calling your mom, playing with your dog; no matter what you chose to do, you need to take that break. Taking breaks throughout your day will help improve your productivity and wellbeing. They can help reduce or prevent stress, maintain performance throughout the day and reduce the need for a long recovery at the end of your day.
Social Breaks
A relaxing, social break can help you return to your baseline mental and physical state. Talking with coworkers, family, or friends about topics unrelated to work throughout your day will help. It will reset your mood, let you relax, and reduce stress. Discussing with others can spur creativity and innovation. Once you return to working you will have a fresh point of view and a more positive attitude about what you’re working on. These breaks don’t have to belong either, just five minutes can make all the difference in the world.
Active Breaks
Just like social breaks, taking active breaks will improve your attitude, mood, and mental state. It might be a little longer than a social break if you want to fit in a workout. Although, it can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or taking your dog out to play for a few minutes. A great way to be active and relieve stress is to practice yoga and breathing exercises. You will return to work revitalized, feeling fresh, and ready to go. Active, movement breaks are crucial to your physical and mental wellbeing. It doesn’t just reduce negative health factors, it also naturally boosts mood and will make you a happier, more energetic person.
Work Break Tips
The perfect time to take a break is when you start to feel frustrated, unmotivated, or tired. Often, all you need is to take a step back from what you are doing. Do something else for a little bit, then get back to the task at hand. If you have a big decision to make or there is a task that’s stressing you out, go take a break and come back to it with a new mindset. Breaks will prevent this decision fatigue and help you think with a clear mind.
It is helpful to coordinate your breaks with coworkers. Hold each other accountable for taking breaks and getting back to work. If you are working from home, set alarms on your phone to remind yourself to take a break. Do something that you enjoy on your break! Try using your break as motivation, if you know you have a break at 2:00 and it’s something you like doing it will be so much more fulfilling and effective. If you love coffee, use your break to run out to your favorite coffee shop. Changing up your environment on your break, connecting with nature, recharging with a snack or coffee will rejuvenate you and renew focus.