Summer is here and with it comes thoughts of taking a break from work to enjoy a vacation. But to maintain a good work/life balance, you should be considering taking breaks from work on a regular basis — not just seasonally. Taking breaks from work does more than just give you a chance to let loose and play — it is crucial for maintaining productivity, mental well-being, and overall job satisfaction. In today’s fast-paced work environment, it can be easy to get caught up in the mindset of constant busyness and neglect the importance of taking regular breaks. However, research has shown that taking breaks can actually enhance our performance and creativity.

The Benefits of Break Taking

First, and maybe most importantly, breaks help to prevent burnout. Working for long periods without rest can lead to exhaustion and decreased motivation. By taking regular breaks, we allow ourselves time to recharge both physically and mentally, which ultimately improves our ability to focus and perform at a high level.

Additionally, breaks have been found to boost creativity. Stepping away from a task or problem allows our minds to relax and wander freely. This mental downtime often leads to new insights and fresh perspectives when we return to our work.

Furthermore, breaks provide an opportunity for social interaction. Engaging with colleagues during lunch or coffee breaks fosters team bonding and collaboration. Building positive relationships in the workplace not only enhances job satisfaction but also promotes a supportive working environment.

Finally, taking breaks has been linked to improved health outcomes. Sitting for long periods without movement can contribute to various health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal problems. By incorporating regular short walks or stretching exercises into our break routine, we can mitigate these risks and promote physical well-being. And by adding breaks routinely into our workdays — and weeks — we gain all these benefits and more.

Year-Round Options for Taking Breaks

We have demonstrated how essential it is for individuals and organizations alike to recognize the importance of taking regular breaks from work. By doing so, we can improve productivity levels, enhance creativity, foster positive relationships with colleagues, and prioritize our overall health and well-being in the workplace. But how do we manage to make break taking a regular part of our scheduled life? Here are some suggestions:

Choose the Right Time

If you need to break up a hectic workday, consider taking at least 15 minutes to recharge for every hour you work. Studies show that this cadence follows the natural pattern of your brain’s activity and will help you recharge faster — and remain productive longer. If you are considering a longer break, say ending a day a bit earlier for some happy hour time with friends, then simply choose the right time based on your calendar — and the calendars of your friends or colleagues.

Get Physical

Moving your body is the perfect way to reduce work frustration and increase your health, especially if you work from home or in a remote environment. You can do simple stretches in your office, get out for a walk in the sunshine, pop into a local studio for a yoga or spin class, or go for a run.  Anything that gets your blood pumping can help reduce stress and give you the motivation you need to do your best.

Focus on Connecting

Socializing does more than just give you a break from the daily grind — it can also help you forge strong relationships that can contribute to a more positive outlook on life. In addition to being uplifting, social connections with colleagues and workmates can help generate innovative ideas and even help you grow your business. Consider taking breaks that include after-hours work get-togethers, social events within your industry, or other practices that help you combine work and play. Or take a short mid-day break to grab lunch with a workmate or chat with a colleague over coffee.

LifeWorking Makes Taking Breaks Effortless

Because our offices at LifeWorking are shared workspaces, they are designed to make it easy for people in all industries to get the most out of their workday — and that includes taking breaks. Not only do our state-of-the-art facilities have spaces that let you easily get away for some quiet time, but we also provide areas for collaborating for when you need to make progress — and congregating when you need to make connections. Our café spaces are perfect for grabbing a bite or a sip during downtime or taking a few minutes to get to know your other LifeWorkers. And we even host social events after hours to make taking a break even easier — and more fun.

Consider a workspace that has everything you need for productivity and downtime alike. Just book a tour today to see how LifeWorking can bring more dimension to your day.