You just got a call from Brickworks Property Restoration about your upcoming chimney repair. You were at the office, so you had to step outside for a minute. While you were out there, you felt a sense of calm and peace. It made you wonder if you should step outside more often when you’re at work, not just when you get a call. We say, “Yes!”
Here are 4 reasons work breaks are necessary.
Breaks Help with Focus
Believe it or not, breaks actually help to increase our focus. When we’re working, we’re using a part of the brain called our prefrontal cortex. This complex part of our brain helps us to plan, anticipate, and focus. However, just like any part of our body, it needs to rest periodically to perform its very best.
You can think of your prefrontal cortex as a body part. If you’re working out your arms, you can’t keep pushing the weight for hours on end. Instead, you have to take regular breaks in between sets to let your muscles relax. In turn, you’re able to continue lifting for a longer period of time. The same could be said with your prefrontal cortex, you allow it to take a break every so often, so when you get back to the work at hand – you’re more focused and productive.
Opportunity to Be Active
Depending on the type of break you take, it could allow you the opportunity to be active. This is especially important if you work a sedentary job that requires you to sit at a desk for most of the day. A lot of people use their break time to go for a walk or even do some light bodyweight exercises.
It’s a win-win when it comes to taking a break that involves some type of physical movement. You get both the benefit of resting your mind which has been hard at work and moving your body which hasn’t been doing much.
Helps Prevent Workplace Burnout
Workplace burnout is a very real thing. If you spend nearly 40 hours a week sitting at a desk, starting at a screen – you could end up resenting the work you do. You could feel burnt out as you’re constantly being bombarded with emails and calls. This is where breaks come in handy.
Breaks can help prevent workplace burnout. In essence, you’re segmenting your day into pieces. Instead of spending all your time in one place, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to move around and step away from all your to-do lists for a while. If you’ve noticed this burnt out feeling at work, try and incorporate a few breaks and see if it improves.
Establishes Healthy Work-Life Balance
Another great benefit of taking work breaks is that they help to establish a healthy work-life balance. You could use your breaks as a time to catch up with a friend or do something for you that doesn’t have to do with your career.
A healthy work-life balance is a major component to your overall happiness and wellbeing. Allowing yourself the time to reconnect with yourself throughout the day can help you not feel like your identity is wrapped up in work.