Breathing Room: Why You Should Take Breaks at Work

It's 2:23 p.m., and you've just glanced at the clock for the 34th time today. Ugh, you groan, how has it only been 10 minutes since I last checked the time? After mentally coaching yourself to remain productive, your vision goes fuzzy and your lower back begins to ache. Only three more hours left in the workday, you remind yourself. Push through!

Does this scenario ring a bell? Do you hit a proverbial "wall" at a certain time each day? Personally, I hit the wall every afternoon at 3 p.m., like clockwork. My fatigue usually starts off slowly - I feel my shoulders tense up and my stomach begins to growl. And, after ignoring my hunger pains and body aches for a few minutes, I always pay a visit to my favorite work ally: the coffeemaker. After all, there's nothing like a java fix to help us survive the daily grind, right?

Gimme a Break!

Career experts promote it. Your body and mind demand it. Even your sheer wellbeing depends on it. So, why not listen to the voices in your head and do something about it? That's right - it's time to take a break! Get out of your chair and enjoy the numerous benefits that relaxation (albeit, fleeting) can provide you. Below are the top five reasons to step away from your desk and take a breather:

1. Rest your mind: Just like your body needs to recover after vigorous exercise, your mind needs rest throughout the workday. Think about it: If you don't give your fatigued brain a break, it will go into information-overload.




2. Re-energize yourself: Although you may consider yourself the Energizer® Bunny's long lost cousin, it's impossible to expend 100 percent of your energy 100 percent of the time. In fact, according to Ben Yoskovitz, cofounder of Standout Jobs, "One key to being effective when you're working is to make sure you're not working all the time. What's important is recognizing when your attention and energy are waning." Ponder these words of wisdom and take them to heart.




3. Avoid eyestrain: Ever notice how your eyes start straining after you've spent several hours at your PC? Well, consider the message that your body is trying to convey: It's time for a break! Get up; walk around the office; head out to lunch. Whatever activity you choose, just be sure to step away from the computer. Trust me; your eyes will thank you.




4. Relieve stress: Let's face it: Stress is an unavoidable aspect of work. However, how you respond to job stress can greatly affect your physical and mental health. So, why not indulge in a little R&R? One of my favorite ways to relieve stress is to head over to Barnes and Noble. Maybe it's because I'm a writer, but there's just something comforting about being surrounded by rows upon rows of great books. Fortunately, there's a Barnes and Noble across the street from my office. And, whenever I'm in need of a quick breather, I make a beeline for my literary oasis.




5. Combat job burnout: Looking to ignite the flame of job burnout? Then, working yourself ragged is a surefire way to go. Let's face it: Nobody can sustain working an eight-hour day with no breaks. And, why would anyone even want to?

Up for Discussion

Do you routinely take breaks throughout the workday? Or, do you frequently eat lunch at your desk and refuse to leave the office unless it's an emergency? Please share your thoughts about this subject with the OfficeArrow community!