Is it right to take breaks?
In many companies and office environment people consider that the best employees work round the clock, yet they are able to give good performance. And taking breaks during work hours is considered as a unproductive and waste of labor. But does it really mean that? In contradictory taking breaks at work will help in the overall performance of the employee.
We need to understand-Employees are not machines, they are human too. They need nurturing and empathy to perform in their full potential. With little motivation they can survive and stand strong in any situation. Sometimes work brings pressure because of its demanding nature. In such times employees cannot divert and are asked to work persistently to achieve the goals for extended periods of time. For example, if the task is exhausting, the employee’s ability to focus on the job becomes harder in every passing minute.
How breaks help us
Breaks are important because they break the monotony, pressure and stress. It refreshes the mind and brings a flow of energy in the body. Psychologically it shifts the attention and helps to calm the body. We can’t work continuously, and so we will gradually stop working to refresh and come back stronger. Breaks need not be longer in duration, it can be short. Short breaks can boost mentally and make us more attentive. This in turn ensures good delivery of work. For example, if you watch a funny video for a minute or look at the nature, it makes you feel lighter and opens up your mind to carry on the task. This short break is such a crucial time because it helps to return to the unfinished job. If you are successful to do so, what more can you ask from a break?
Sometimes, employees choose breaks that don’t work in their benefit. Breaks—like having a snack, drinking caffeine or just simply sharing about a problem brings more stress and fatigue. Having lunch or tea break is important, but if the office politics is discussed in the break then it’s not fruitful. Employees have such discussion because they are already tired with various activities and try to find solace in the breaks. If the break is taken solely for rejuvenating and refreshment, it becomes effective. It helps in detaching from the thoughts ongoing in the mind and makes us ready to take over the task. This is the most wonderful break which allows you to shift your focus and align it to purposeful work. It better to take a break alone, rather than taking it with other people. Positive emotions surface and it sends back all the negativity around you. You can feel the blood circulation in different areas of your body, just by taking a short break and observing yourself.
To sum up all the importance of a break, it helps–
- In increasing concentration and focus
- Releasing stress and lower the level
- Bring positive vibes and pushes away negativity
- Empowers and increases performance
- Keep your heath and mind in good state.
There is no end to the reasons why each one of us should take a short break. Give yourself a chance to improve. At the end of the day, if you are good, than everything around you is good. I would like to list down few effective breaks which can be taken in working hours:
- Meditation to calm the body and mind
- Any physical activity or body movement to increase the blood circulation.
- Playing games or learning something new.
- Listing to empowering songs or any of your favorite songs.
- Setting goals and aligning it to your vision.
- Helping people around you and connect with them
Engaging yourself in such activities during breaks will make your office a happy and healthier place. Hope this article was helpful to you.