Mental Health Hacks for Your 15-Minute Work Break
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Do you regularly take 15-minute breaks at work?
Breaks are essential for giving your mind a chance to recharge. Whether you’re working a 9-to-5 or own a business, taking lunch breaks and short 15-minute breaks are necessary to help keep your mental health in check.
While 15 minutes can fly by in no time, here are some habits you can practice on your break to take advantage of every second.
Don’t check your work notifications
Stay away from work tasks, like opening a new email or checking a Teams message while you’re on break. Simply checking your notifications when you’re supposed to be resting significantly contributes to job burnout. “Part of the reason so many feel stressed and overworked is because instead of resting or taking a break, they are checking emails” (Forbes). So, silence your notifications and enjoy your time away from the job.
Speak to your support system
What better time to call a friend or family member than during your break? Chatting with a loved one can help ease stress and get your mind off work. As tempting as it can be to vent about your coworker or project, try to discuss other topics that aren’t about work.
Take a walk
Take a brisk walk during your break. Sitting at your desk all day can pose physical health issues like high blood pressure and back pain, so getting your body moving is crucial. In addition, several mental health benefits are associated with walking, as it can increase your energy, improve your mood, and reduce stress levels.
Eat a healthy snack
A quick way to recharge is to eat a nutritious snack. Healthy snacks can help replenish your mind and body to get you through the rest of the work day. Some tasty snacks you can try include a trail mix, yogurt and fruit, or a small salad.
Refuel your mind
After separating yourself from your job, you can keep your mind sharp by doing brain exercises that bring joy or catharsis. For example, journaling, reading a book, or doing a word puzzle can help reenergize your mind during a quick break at work.