Since lockdown broke out in March, workers have been encouraged to complete their tasks from home. This means you can stay in the comfort of your own space, however, it’s becoming more difficult to separate work life from leisure.
To make sure you meet deadlines, work productively and reach your targets, each of your breaks should be relaxing. It’s important to take yourself away from the screen and the area that you have been working in.
Here are 8 ways to take a break that will help you relax and recharge for the rest of the day.
1.Leave the room
Stand up, walk out, close the door. If you’re able to work in a room that is separate from the rest of the house, you should spend each break away from your desk. If your place is nice and cosy, choose a different seat or just turn around. Simply changing your view requires very little effort, but it can help take your mind off the work day.
2. Put the kettle on
Think about your typical day at work before lockdown occurred. How did you spend your breaks? Most of us would walk into the staff room, pop the kettle on and get our caffeine fix. This part of your day may have been more sociable before, because you would meet colleagues there and have a chat, so keeping these routines can help motivate you.
For those returning to work after lockdown and furlough scheme, replicating your routine can make everything feel a bit more normal.
3. Phone a friend
Isn’t it brilliant that even throughout a pandemic there are so many ways to communicate? Talking to a friend about something other than work can be the perfect break. So pick up your phone or log into Zoom to share your coffee break with someone else. Your phone call may just brighten up their day too.
4. Read a book
Distraction is highly underrated. As children we spent hours playing games, creating imaginary friends and pretending things were different than they are. Well, reading a book seems like the adult equivalent to playing. When you read about something completely unrelated to your work schedule, you will relax because your mind will be elsewhere.
5. Puzzles
This may not seem like something you would enjoy, but doing a puzzle is ideal for taking a break that still stimulates your brain. If you find it hard to motivate yourself again after lunchtime, perhaps you are relaxing too much…
Try completing a wordsearch, crossword or Sudoku. You may surprise yourself when you feel the sense of achievement after completing it. This is also something you can stop and start as you please.
6. Get crafty!
Those of you who have steady hands may find that painting, knitting or embroidery are more your cup of tea. The act of creating something new and using your imagination can be very satisfying. Start a project and you might find yourself completing a small piece of it each day.
7. Bake some tasty treats
Even if you’re not one of Paul Hollywood’s ‘star bakers’, following the instructions in a recipe and creating something yourself will make you feel capable. It will take your mind away from the computer and the tasks you need to complete, and you can eat whatever comes out of the oven. How can you say no?
8. Stretch your legs
Movement is one of the best motivators. When children go to preschool, some teachers tell them to ‘let their wriggles out’. This is what we all need. To stop yourself from getting distracted during work hours, let your wriggles out in the garden or walk around the block. Breathe in some fresh air, stretch your legs and return to work with a fresh perspective.
Written by Ella Taylor
Ella Taylor is an English and Creative Writing graduate who has spent the last year studying nature writing. Her interests include our relationship with nature, our relationships with each other, and different ways to increase our happiness.
