3 Reasonable Ways To Take Breaks During The Day

When your inbox keeps filling up and your to-do list is miles long, it’s undeniably challenging to remind yourself to press pause every now and then. So, we continue pushing through and promise ourselves to find a better balance tomorrow, only to go through the same routine all over again.

Here are some tips that will make taking breaks a lot easier:

• Look for natural pauses. Pay close attention to the natural rhythm of your workday. Are there certain times when you feel more sluggish and unfocused? Are there times when you feel particularly productive? Use these times to determine when to build breaks into your workday - without totally disrupting your momentum.
• Stick to a schedule. If you're very scheduled-oriented, you might have to schedule pauses into your workday just like you would for any other commitment. Attempt to take short 15-minute breaks a few times each day, preferably around the times you feel sluggish most days. Of course, if that time rolls around and you're in the middle of a project or meeting, adjust. But aim to take a step back around the same time each day.
• Leave for lunch. So many of us eat lunch at our desks, thinking the more time spent working the more tasks we can accomplish. But it will actually benefit you to leave your desk for lunch. It's a naturally unobtrusive time to take a step back and reset yourself in the middle of the day. So, eat your lunch in the break room, cafeteria or outside if the weather is nice. It's the perfect time to take a much needed breather.