How to Make the Most of Your Work Break Taking a break during work helps refresh your mind and body. To make the most of it, step away from your desk, stretch, take deep breaths, or go for a short walk. Avoid screens and do something relaxing like listening to music or chatting with a coworker. A good break can boost your focus and energy.
Taking a break from work is essential for maintaining effective performance and positive morale. The human mind isn’t designed to keep doing the same thing constantly, day in and day out, and breaks provide a well-needed break from the hustle and bustle of corporate life.
Of course, sabbaticals are the work breaks we most look forward to, and the importance of taking an extended period of time away from work cannot be overstated. However, it is also essential that we don’t forget how important smaller breaks during a single working day can be.
No colleague should be made to feel ashamed of taking a break, in fact, effective workplaces actively encourage their workforce to take time to rest, recover, and revitalize themselves ready to return to work an hour or so later with a fresh outlook.
As such we have put together three things to keep in mind when taking a work break to ensure the rest is as productive as it can be.
Game
It is estimated that around 40% of the world’s population game, and in South Korea alone, this number exceeds 60%. However, when asked what the biggest factor is that prevents them from gaming as much as they’d like, many will answer work. With that in mind, a work break is the perfect time to catch up on your gaming time. Not only is gaming an engaging recreational activity, but regularly playing games has been proven to improve focus, concentration, and pattern recognition.
There are some handheld consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck that can be taken into work and played, but the idea of taking full consoles isn’t exactly practical. That is where mobile gaming comes in useful.
No matter what kind of person you are, you’ll be sure to find a mobile game for you. Casino lovers could try their hand at playing poker for real money on Pokerscout.com, and enjoy the countless bonuses and incentives to come with doing so. Those looking for something a bit more steady-paced might enjoy investigating the wide range of cozy games available in mobile app stores. Alternatively, there are puzzle, action, and strategy games available on almost every mobile device.
Should you be in a position to make or suggest changes in your workplace it can be a really good idea to invest in some games consoles that can be kept in the break area and having a supply of multiplayer games like Mario Kart and Overcooked. Not only will this provide the positives of gaming that we have already explored, but it will also help the workforce come together and socialize in a way that will surely benefit them when they return to work.
Physical Activity
Although breaks should be a time of rest, it can also be helpful to get some physical activity in while you can, especially if you work in a job that doesn’t involve much physical exertion. This is why it’s a good idea to get out of the workplace during your break and go for a walk.
Keep an eye out for any rural trails or parks that are easily accessible from your place of work and, if the weather is nice, why not take your lunch with you? The benefits of getting outside have been well studied, and taking a simple walk can do wonders to improve mood and mental clarity.
Employers could provide walking trails around their workplace, or even a casual gym containing stationary bikes and treadmills to be used by colleagues on their break. Alternatively, why not suggest that your workplace sets up accessible exercise classes during break times where everyone to get involved?
Socialization
It is sometimes difficult, and even looked down upon, to socialize while working. This is understandable, as many of us come to work to complete specific tasks that don’t involve engagement with others. However, spending eight hours focused on a task without human connection can feel very isolating and lead to low mood.
As such, work breaks are a perfect time to catch up with colleagues and share any thoughts and feelings that might have accumulated during the day. Use the socialization areas your work should have to connect with others. If such places don’t exist, it might be a good idea to suggest one.
Communal areas both indoor and outdoor give workers an opportunity to talk to one another and relieve stress and tension in the process. Having positive social interactions over a break period has been proven to improve morale and aid in team building.
