Ways To Take Mini-Breaks At Work
Sometimes we get caught up in the hustle and bustle that is our daily work schedule. But one trick we could all use is a mini-break.
A favorite author of mine, David Kundtz, wrote a book called Stopping, How To Be Still When You Need To Keep Going. The book is full of great advice on ways to take breaks in order to spring back better than ever. But one little gem is called a “stillpoint.”
Kundtz defines “stillpoint,” as “stopping quickly and doing nothing for just a moment.” He suggests stillpoints can be used everywhere we go, all day, every day. Brief pauses at home or at work, might give you that little bit of extra energy that makes the difference, helping you smile rather than growl, and think quickly, rather than just muddle along.
Here’s how it works.
In that moment before you give a presentation, take a deep breath and pause. Then when you start you will be totally focused. In that moment, after a long work session, stop for just a minute and just breathe before you launch into something else. In that moment, when someone angrily challenges you, take a deep breath and regroup. That centered, calm remark you then come up with could change the whole flow of things and smooth out a bad situation.
These quick little stops can happen in difficult moments, or when you are just waiting in line, paused at a red light, or waiting for the elevator. Or they can become a quick breather, when life is rushing along and you still have more stuff to do.
Diabetes Journal also supported short one minute breaks throughout the day to lower the risk of disease. They said sitting for long periods increases the risk for metabolic disorders, and a short one minute stand and stretch, walk around the office, or breathing exercise could make a difference.
Mini-breaks can be your secret.
At a glance the people around you may not even notice you paused. But at the end of the day you will probably notice a difference. In place of total exhaustion, you may be a little more relaxed and not completely warn out. We all find ourselves working longer hours in place, and this is one more strategy to keep our health working for us.
Try mini-breaks to restore energy, but if you still feel overwhelmed or overly tired see your physician for a complete checkup to spot any other issues that you may need help with.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Juhan Sonin