3 Productive Ways To Take Breaks at Work
Taking regular breaks throughout your workday is essential to stay as motivated and productive as possible. However, not all breaks are equal. Whether you want to increase your energy or completely check out for a few minutes, let’s explore some productive ways to take breaks at work.
Take a Walk
If you sit at a desk all day, you should regularly stand up and move your body. Unsurprisingly, sitting for long periods isn’t beneficial for your overall health. During one of your breaks, take a short walk around the office or outside. The time spent away from your workstation is a great way to stretch your muscles, improve your blood flow, and even clear your mind.
If you’re having a particularly challenging day or feel stuck on a task, take a short mental break to clear your head. Once you return, you’ll feel energized and ready to tackle the rest of the workday. The next time you need a few minutes of rest, get up and walk around instead of reaching for your phone to aimlessly scroll through social media.
Read a Book
Reading a few pages of a good book is another productive way to take a break at work. You’ll be able to rest your eyes from staring at a screen for a few minutes. Plus, reading an interesting book can be a relaxing and inspiring activity.
If you’re having a hard day, reading a book is another important way to mentally escape. You can temporarily free your mind of overwhelming thoughts and focus on the characters in the story.
Call a Loved One
When you need to step away from your work responsibilities for a few minutes, why not catch up with a loved one over the phone? Whether you call a family member or friend, it’s nice to have some non-work-related social interaction during your day. Plus, your loved one will appreciate a “just because” call because it shows you’re thinking about them.
In the fast-paced world of text messages and social media posts, take the time to call someone and verbally communicate. Speaking over the phone is often more personal and intentional.
Overall, you need to prioritize frequent breaks throughout the workday, regardless of your role within the company. Even the most seasoned leaders become overwhelmed with their workload, so a valuable tip to avoid executive burnout is to take regular breaks. Don’t ignore your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Instead, recognize when you need to clear your head and step away for a bit. When you return, you’ll be a happier, more effective employee.