Take Short Breaks
The work we do can have a major effect on our overall well-being, including mental, physical and emotional health. We put so much time and effort into our jobs throughout the day, and it’s important to take periodic breaks to not only rest our minds and bodies, but also to step away and recharge.
Taking short breaks away from work can help improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, lower the risk of burnout, and boost overall productivity. Stepping away from your workstation for short, intentional breaks throughout the day can have a positive impact on your work performance and it can benefit both the employer and employee.
Benefits of Short Breaks for Employees
For employees, when you take short emphasis breaks it offers you more focus. Short breaks can be beneficial in keeping your energy up and allowing you to be more alert during your shifts. An intentional break allows the employee to take a step back, de-stress, and recharge to improve productivity and engagement.
A break gives your brain the much needed rest and re-energises you after working hard or mentally draining tasks. Getting up and moving will give your body the opportunity to relax and reset. It will help in boosting concentration, mental finesse, alertness as well as creativity.
Benefits of Short Breaks for Employers
For employers, when you create an environment for regular short breaks for their employees, it can improve morale which in turn can boost productivity. Research shows that employees who take regular short breaks tend to be more productive and engaged than those who do not.
Short breaks allow employees to access the the resources they need to do their jobs efficiently and effectively. It can also lower stress, promote team building, and give employees the opportunity to get to know each other better. Having a relaxed atmosphere and an enjoyable work environment can help employees do better work, which is a win-win for both the employer and employee.
Designated short breaks can help ensure employees don’t become overworked or get burned out. This can help them be more productive and efficient while they work, resulting in happier and more successful employees.
Tips For Taking Effective Short Breaks
1. Get up and move- Take a brief walk outside, do a few yoga poses or stretching, walk up and down the stairs or do some jumping jacks. Taking a few minutes to step away and move around can really reset your mind and body and give you the mental health boost you need to get back to work.
2. Connect with Nature- Even if you don’t have the opportunity to get outside, try taking a quick break to look at pictures of nature, watch a nature video online, or research natural environments you may never have seen. Connecting with nature can help us relax, reduce stress and clear our minds.
3. Listen to Music- Listening to music during the day can help you relax, reduce stress and energise. Music can help motivate and refocus the mind so that you’re ready to go back to work feeling refreshed.
4. Engage in Mindful Meditation- Spending a brief period of time in meditation can help clear your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and allow you to make sound decisions throughout the day. Taking a few minutes to just relax and be mindful can help you be productive and focus more intently when you come back to your task.
5. Talk to a Colleague- Taking a break to strike up a conversation with a co-worker can give you the opportunity to take your mind off of work-related stress and problems and talk about something more enjoyable. It’s a great opportunity to connect with a colleague, ask for advice, and collaborate.
6. Refuel With Refreshments- Taking a few minutes to make yourself a cup of tea or a snack can give you the necessary break you need. Eating a light snack can increase your energy and help you stay focused throughout the day.
No matter what type of job we’re doing, taking short breaks throughout the day can really help to improve our overall performance and productivity. Taking these brief pauses can help relieve stress, reduce the risk of burnout, and give us the mental and physical rejuvenation we need to get back to work. Therefore, it is important to take brief moments of respite during the day to reset and keep you feeling refreshed.
