In this era, we all endure increasing tension at work and home. Trying to accomplish more in the same amount of time, we often eliminate breaks from our work schedule. Research indicates that short, frequent breaks actually help us get more accomplished by reducing stress and helping us concentrate better.

Stress symptoms may be affecting your health, even though you might not realize it. You may think illness is to blame for that irritating headache, your frequent insomnia or your decreased productivity at work. But stress may actually be the cause. Stress symptoms can affect your body, your thoughts and feelings, and your behavior. Being able to recognize common stress symptoms can help you manage them. When left unchecked stress can contribute to many health problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes, and skin issues.

Breaks Help Manage Stress

Our bodies go through cycles each day where energy and activity peak and then subside. You might notice that you have more energy in the morning hours and after dinner, but get tired in the middle of the afternoon. This pattern is typical for most people, it usually occurs between 2 and 4 p.m. in the afternoon. Some people eliminate breaks because they fear lost productivity, causing it to affect their job status. But studies showed frequent, short breaks throughout the day did not affect a worker’s ability to be productive, on the contrary frequent breaks helped alleviate or prevent musculoskeletal discomfort and eyestrain. Which we all face due to long hours at a desk or on a computer.

Excessive stress can affect your entire life, including your most important relationships with your spouse, children, friends and co-workers. Regular breaks help alleviate some of that stress by giving you an opportunity to relax and breathe before you say or do something you might later regret. Listen to your body and recharge.

Breaks For Results

Take a break to refresh your mental and physical state. Try stretching if you sit at a desk for long hours. Or take a short walk to increase circulation, help decrease tension in your body, and heighten your senses. Try visualizing a peaceful place when you can't actually go there. When you imagine the sounds, smells, and sights it sends neurological messages to the brain to relax. Another technic and the one we love the most is breathing. Doing controlled breathing exercises is excellent to relieve tension, increase alertness and refresh your mind. Simply intake air slowly, deeply through your nose and then exhaling through your mouth. You can do this sitting in your chair, 7 to 8 repetitions for the most effective results. 

Listen to your body and take a break when you need it most. Your mind and body we thank you for it. In the long run you'll see and feel the benefit of a short break. Especially how your alertness and productivity increase.