I have started using mini-breaks on a daily basis to avoid burn-out. The idea of mini-breaks is not new, but I have a tendency to get caught up in writing or working on projects, so much so that sometimes I go for hours without leaving my computer. You know the feeling, you are on deadline, you have a project that needs to get done, you are on a roll. Time flies, and before you know it, your foot is asleep, your back aches, your coffee is cold, and your butt is numb. Mini-breaks are the answer. If you work at home, as I do, it is easy to create tiny mini-breaks that are not only good for your mind, but good for your body.
- Get out of your chair every thirty minutes, if you have to set a timer, do it. But get out of your chair and stretch, walk around, get a cup of coffee for two or three minutes. It doesn’t take much time and it is good for you!
- Have your coffee and donut, bagel, whatever, away from your desk. Sit on a park bench, a sofa, in the break room, in your kitchen. Read the paper for a few minutes, socialize, or just enjoy your coffee. It takes only 10 or 15 minutes and you will feel more energized when you go back to your desk.
- Take a walk. Take a short walk. Go outside, even if it is around your building or to the local coffee shop, get out, and get some fresh air.
- Listen to music while you work and when you hear a particular song you love, stop for a few moments to enjoy it, close your eyes, or if you are alone, dance a bit.
- Buy flowers or a few plants, take time out each day to water your plants or arrange your flowers.
- Take a five minute break and watch a meditation or relaxation video.
- Take five or ten minutes out to read something inspirational.
- Give yourself a five minute facial massage
- Do seated stretches. You can do seated stretches at your desk and feel better in just a few minutes
- Take a fresh fruit break, I like oranges, they smell good and there is something a bit therapeutic about peeling a fresh orange, but really, any fresh fruit will do, just take some time to savour it – good for your health and a nice break mid-afternoon.
