Hunkering down and working non-stop in one spot, in front of the computer/phone, for 8-12 consecutive hours is crazy. It takes a toll on your mind and body. Why? Because your mind and body have already grown accustom to brief breaks. When at the office you take bio breaks, fetch food, visit co-workers, greet and escort visitors, walk to conference rooms, retrieve office supplies. etc.
Still not convinced? Have you ever worked hours fruitlessly on a problem then the minute you distance yourself from the problem you experience an “a ha” moment? Clearing your mind by taking a quick break can and does work wonders. So, do take several 10 to 15-minute breaks roughly every three hours away from your workspace to fuel creativity and problem solve. Here are some ideas:
Take breaks
- Go get the mail.
- Take mid-morning and mid-afternoon beverage breaks.
- Stand up and stretch.
- Call your mother; stand up and stretch while on the call.
- Do a quick meditation.
- Brush your dogs and feed them too!
- Read an article from your favorite magazine or newspaper.
- Read a chapter from the latest novel you are reading.
- Take a 30-minute lunch break!
- Go outside and walk around the house.
- Run a quick errand.
- Bake a cake.
Get some exercise
While visiting the gym is out of the realm of possibilities, these ideas are in the realm and satisfy “social distancing” conditions of our new normal:
- Go for a walk, run, or bicycle ride.
- Walk your dog, walk your neighbor’s dog, walk your cat!
- Clean up the yard.
- Start gardening.
- Wash and wax your car.
- Try a Yoga DVD.
- Hop onto your elliptical, treadmill, stationary bike or rowing machine while listening to music that energizes you.
- Do a 7-Minute Workout. Choose the best app for you: https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/2018/01/01/7-minute-workout-apps-tried-30-here-best/991591001/
- Lift weights and do floor calisthenics while watching the news.
- Dance like it’s 1999.
- Mix and match the approaches to keep it fresh.
- Exercise the same time each day. Your body will appreciate and crave the exercise. And that helps with making new habits more quickly. Engage the kids, they’ll enjoy exercising with you!
Creating new habits often takes trial and error. Once you zoom in on a new pattern that works well then stick with it. A few days will turn into a few weeks and you’ll be happy you formed a new rhythm sooner rather than later. Want to keep yourself honest? Keep a journal of your activities or find an accountability buddy with whom you check-in daily!
Until next time, be well!
© Copyright 2021 Bergeron Associates. All rights reserved.