Saturday, January 24, 2009

Overworking Causes Stress, So Take A Break.

By Craig Calvin

In today's fast paced world, working harder to stay afloat seems to be a requirement. We work longer hours and take fewer breaks than we used to. Most think that working through our breaktime helps us get the job done quicker, but statistics show otherwise. Productivity actually increases when people are forced to take personal break time.

It is not healthy to work nonstop with no breaks. Our bodies and our minds need the time to refuel and reload. But no matter, there are some who just find themselves unable to sit and take a break away from their desks during the day. For those, there are some tricks that can help make you take those important breaks. You might start with taking time to get to know your coworkers. This is one way that will take your mind off work while giving you that all important break. It will help build camaraderie and can often soothe over even the smallest of things that might have otherwise been stressful.

Once a week try to get out of the office for a lunch with a friend or family member. Spending more time at the office requires that we spend less with our loved ones, so a lunch outing can be beneficial in that it not only lets you spend time socializing, but it provides a much needed change of scenery. Some people find it helpful to leave the office and take a short walk or bike ride. Or even visiting the gym for a quick workout can do wonders for clearing your head.

Between the time we're working and the time we're spending with personal and family responsibilities, we rarely take any personal time for ourselves. A lunch break can provide personal time that you can't find anywhere else, so take a few minutes and read from a book, browse the internet, or just listen to music.

It is not uncommon for people to neglect their personal needs or desires in an effort to get ahead at work. Use your lunch break to get a haircut or get your nails done. This can be a great mid-week pick me up when you are having a bad week. Ultimately, work breaks are a necessary part of our lives. We need them both physically and mentally, and learning to balance work and play will not only make us happier and healthier, but will help us to be more efficient in our jobs. - 15485

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