“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including
you” Anne Lamott
WOW Fact – I know you don’t want to take a break right now. WHY? because you’re
too busy. This article is probably one of more than a few tabs you have open on
your browser or phone. Your to-do list is likely close by and packed with
tasks.
It may seem like a
good idea to avoid taking a break from work in order to make yourself look
like a hard worker, committed to the needs of the company, but this can create
a workplace expectation or normalisation of not taking breaks, which puts
pressure on others not to take their breaks as well.
Why are breaks so important?
It can be tempting
to keep working through a break, to eat lunch at your desk, or even skip it
completely, if you have to get something done. However your body needs a break,
and not taking one can lead to exhaustion and anxiety, and cause your
performance to deteriorate as you struggle to concentrate. Over time this can
lead to sleep problems and long-term health conditions such as depression.
Make sure that your
break is a break from work, not just a break from your desk - try not
to discuss work matters with people, don't take paper work with you, and most
importantly do something you enjoy. It's your break and your treat.
WOW Fact - It is important that people take their breaks, and spend at least 20 minutes uninterrupted
by work matters. If you work at a desk for long periods of time, it is also
important to regularly get up and move around - for example, if someone works
nearby walk to talk to them instead of emailing, or get up regularly to
top up your drink from the water cooler.
Here are some WOW ideas for things you can do during
your break that are beneficial for your physical and/or mental wellbeing:
- Read a book - lots of people enjoy reading but say they never have time to do it. Take the time during your working day!
- Go for a walk/run - get some fresh air and get yourself moving.
- Do an exercise class - find somewhere nearby that offers lunchtime exercise classes. Some places do 20-30 minute classes.
- Leave the staffroom/office - visit a cafe or an outdoor space.
- Challenge your brain - with something different from work, such as a game app e.g candy crush, sudoku or crossword puzzle.
- Be sociable - meet up with friends, join a lunch-time social club that meets once or twice a week, or start one yourself!
Health Risks of Not
Taking Breaks
Sitting still for
long periods of time, or doing repetitive tasks, can cause conditions such as
back pain, eye strain, impaired circulation, tense muscles, tiredness and
stress. Taking short breaks every hour or so, even for just a few minutes, can make
a significant difference. Try to spend two minutes stretching, taking a short
walk, getting a drink to keep yourself hydrated etc. every hour.
Sometimes
we know there’s a better way to do things, but we’re just so busy we don’t even
think we have the time to find it, so we keep going like we always have.
There are many
health risks involved in not taking a break from work. Persistently long levels
of working can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart disease,
diabetes, stress related disease and repetitive strain injuries. Not only is
this clearly not good for the worker, it also leads to a depleted and demoralised
workforce. Breaks should be regarded as an important part of the working day,
and with all the benefits attributed to them, it’s counter-productive to miss
them…When you “get into the groove like you got to
prove…” (think Madonna) of a task or
project, your ideas are flowing and you feel WOW! But it doesn’t last forever—
you stretch yourself just a bit beyond that productivity zone and you
might feel unfocused, zoned out or even irritable.
The good news is that the WOW fix for this unfocused condition is
simple—all we need is a brief interruption (aka
a break) to get back on track…
In a nutshell, breaks
help us re-valuate our goals. If we didn’t give the body a
rest at night, it wouldn’t function very long. The only time the mind can have
a real rest is when it stops thinking and only experiences. The trouble is that, without any
downtime to refresh and recharge, we’re less efficient, make more mistakes, and
get less engaged with what we’re doing.
Though on occasion events do take
place that can lead to working through breaks, if this happens on a regular or
consistent basis it can have a detrimental effect on your performance at work
as well as your health, enjoyment, fulfillment and your sense of job
satisfaction.
Having regular breaks also allows
for physical and mental rest to be taken. Numerous studies have shown that
taking regular breaks helps to revive workers who are able to then perform at a
more optimum level when they return to work.
When you work on a task continuously, it’s
easy to lose focus and get lost in the space! In contrast, following a brief
intermission, picking up where you left off forces you to take a few seconds to
think globally about what you’re ultimately trying to achieve. It’s a practice
that encourages us to stay mindful of our objectives… and as I say “perfect
practice makes you perfect…” Now what that’s famous line, “Take a break, have a
Kit Kat or is it puke a Penguin!”
Yours In Fun, Health, Fitness & Mental
Wellbeing
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