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Healthy Things to Do When Taking a Break at Work

By William Vogeler, Esq. | Last updated on

Taking breaks at work is natural -- no need to mull over the benefits here.

Knowing what to do on those breaks should also come naturally, but for some it's a bit of a puzzle. It's like knowing you need to eat, but having a hard time eating right.

We can't promise amazing weight loss or rock-hard abs, but here are some suggestions about how to take healthy breaks at work.

Bad Breaks

In the beginning, all breaks were not created equal. Some are actually bad for you.

For example, if you work in front of a computer screen all day, taking a break to play a video game or catch up on your email is not really a good break for your eyes. Studies say it's better to take breaks that don't involve too much technology.

Likewise, it's not a good break for your back to sit in your seat through break time. Snacking while sitting all day is not good for your gut, either.

Coffee or caffeine breaks also are not on the healthy break list. A little exercise, or even standing and stretching "microbreaks," can pick you up even faster.

Good Breaks

Neil Patel, writing for Inc., says it's important to move your body. It gets your blood circulating, your mind invigorating and your life improving.

"A dance in your cubicle may not be appropriate, but use your break to go for a walk around the building or a sprint up the stairs," he writes. Also, try:

  • Listening to music
  • Not thinking about work
  • Relaxing and not concentrating

In any case, don't stress about what you do in your unwind time. "A quick ping pong game, a short drive, a brisk walk, a brief chat, a quick snooze -- these are all great ways of taking a break," Patel says.

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