If you work from home, it’s easy to forget to take a break. After all, your co-workers aren’t around to take a walk or grab a coffee with, so free time can feel a little useless.
Fortunately, there’s so much that you can do to make your 15-minute break more productive and purposeful. Plus, what’s better than some fun away from your desk?
Here are a few ways to make the most of your work break.
1. Grab a Healthy Snack
It’s essential to stay energized throughout the day. If you don’t eat enough, you won’t be at your best. Whenever you take a moment to yourself, try to incorporate some healthy foods.
Grab a bowl of mixed berries or nuts – both terrific picks for a sharp and focused mind and a quick memory boost. You can prepare baked kale chips, too. In any case, choose options that aren’t overly salty or fatty.
You can enjoy your snack outside for some fresh air, too!
2. Video Chat With a Friend
Too often, we forget to connect with our loved ones throughout the week. When you work remotely, it’s even more difficult to make time for others. If you can, set up a quick FaceTime call with a family member or close friend.
Talk about your days and catch up as usual. This conversation, even if it’s quick, can help you find the energy you need to power through the workday. It’s also an easy way to forget about stressful tasks for a few moments.
3. Try a Workout
The best part about remote work has to do with appearances – when you don’t work inside an office, there’s no one to impress! Therefore, you can put on your favorite activewear and complete a quick workout.
You could try different stretches, cardio or yoga. If you own a bike, take a ride around the neighborhood, or consider an electric bike for even more health benefits. In any case, use your break to loosen up those stiff muscles! It helps to make sure that you don’t stay seated for too long at once.
4. Read an Article
Most experts think that we should leave behind phones and tablets when we take breaks. While it’s necessary to stay away from social media, your break could be an excellent time to read a news article.
Most employees don’t stay updated throughout the day unless they set up email newsletters or alerts. If you want to read a specific feature or catch up on an event, use your break to do so.
Try to aim for lighthearted reads so that you don’t feel even more stressed or anxious. Instead, look for inspirational stories.
5. Let Your Mind Wander
You’re always on the move for at least 40 hours a week. There’s a pile of emails to read and a massive project due by Friday. How do you stay sane when your mind can’t take a moment to rest? Let your mind wander when you need to take a break. Relocate to a separate space and sit as you reflect. Follow through with any thought that comes to mind, and don’t concentrate on one idea at a time.
This idea may seem silly or useless, but it’s the opposite – people who daydream have more efficient brains, which alludes to higher intelligence. Therefore, you may find that it’s helpful to not do much at all for 15 minutes! Set a timer so that you know when it’s time to get back to work.
6. Watch a TED Talk
If you want to stay informed even when you take a break, watch a TED Talk. These educational videos last for around 10 to 15 minutes, so you finish a single one before your break ends. Look for topics that involve technology, business, science and more.
You could learn more about your own line of work – or discover a new subject altogether. Like these other activities, a TED Talk can be a terrific way to de-stress. You can listen to podcasts on your phone or tune into videos on YouTube.
Use These Ideas for Better Work Breaks
Throughout the day, it’s common to find yourself run down. When it’s time for a break, try one of these suggestions so that you’re more productive – and have some fun, too.
Author Bio:
Dylan Bartlett, aka, “The Regular Guide,” writes about a broad variety of topics on his blog. Check out Just a Regular Guide for more, or follow him on Twitter @theregularguidefor frequent updates!
