Saturday, January 24, 2009

Take A Break At Work To Relieve Stress

By Craig Calvin

In today's fast paced world, working harder to stay afloat seems to be a requirement. We work longer hours and take fewer breaks than we used to. Most think that working through our breaktime helps us get the job done quicker, but statistics show otherwise. Productivity actually increases when people are forced to take personal break time.

The fact is, biologically we need food to fuel our bodies. Plus, having that half hour or hour to take a break can help recharge our emotional battery. If you don't already take your lunch break, try using the following advice to fill the time. This will ensure that you take your entire break for non-work related things. It is nice to work in an environment where you like the people you work with, so be social. If don't already know your co-workers, get to know them during your lunch break. You spend the majority of your day with your co-workers so it will serve you well to know what makes them tick.

We spend so much time at work we often have little time for our loved ones. Take a day each week to leave the office and have lunch with a friend or family member. This gives you a change of scenery and helps you take care of an emotional need at the same time. Many people who actually take their lunch break use the time to do something active. They get out of the office and take a walk or visit a nearby gym for a quick workout. Were often crammed in an office behind a desk for more time than we should be. Getting up and getting moving during your lunch break can be very beneficial to your physical and emotional health.

Between the time we're working and the time we're spending with personal and family responsibilities, we rarely take any personal time for ourselves. A lunch break can provide personal time that you can't find anywhere else, so take a few minutes and read from a book, browse the internet, or just listen to music.

It is not uncommon for people to neglect their personal needs or desires in an effort to get ahead at work. Use your lunch break to get a haircut or get your nails done. This can be a great mid-week pick me up when you are having a bad week. Ultimately, work breaks are a necessary part of our lives. We need them both physically and mentally, and learning to balance work and play will not only make us happier and healthier, but will help us to be more efficient in our jobs. - 15254

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