Are the longest breaks you take these days stopping for red lights and standing in line at the grocery store? Sometimes I feel like mine are. Why are we so bad at taking breaks, even when one would improve our energy level and our 
concentration?
Breaks give us much needed time to rest our eyes, stretch our muscles, move around, and generally get more blood and oxygen flowing to our brain. They also help us to unwind and obtain a fresh outlook on complex work problems.
There is just one problem – we often forget to take them. (or think we don't have time to) And no, going to the bathroom, grabbing a cup of coffee or checking your Facebook updates does not count.
There are some great things you can do on your breaks... Want some ideas?.. OK... Here are some that help to restore your energy, sharpen your focus, boost productivity and avoid burnout at work.
- Plant your feet firmly on the ground, lift your arms and look at your palms.
- Stretch your spine for about 30-60 seconds, gradually increasing pressure, as if you were trying to touch the ceiling with your fingers.
- Relax, lower your arms and feel the energy moving up your spine.
Listen to a guided meditation - There are plenty of 10-15 minute meditations that allow you to trigger your creativity, let go of muscles tension and take your mind of your work. Just put on a headset, close your eyes and enjoy peace and relaxation even in the midst of work chaos.
Step outside and enjoy the sunshine - leave the office and let yourself enjoy the warmth of the sunlight, the coolness of a breeze and enjoy the fresh air. You will come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to approach your work with new energy and a fresh perspective.
Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths - Stand up and walk away from your desk. Find a quiet place, where you can sit down, close your eyes, smile to yourself and take a few deep breaths. Imagine tension, stress and anxiety leaving your body as you breathe out, and peacefulness, positivity and relaxation filling your mind with every breath that you take.
Listen to some music - Music is a great mood changer, especially if you allow yourself to get up and move with it. Just a few minutes of humming and dancing can put a smile on your face and get your blood moving.
Eat an apple. S-L-O-W-L-Y. - take a 2-3 minute break to eat an apple (or another fruit that you like). Just do it very slowly. Notice the flavor, the texture, the freshness. Doing something at a slow pace might feel weird, even annoying at first. But after a few minutes you feel much calmer and less stressed.
Take a walk - Leave your cell-phone in the office and head outside for a brisk walk.
Read a magazine or a book - Pick a read that has nothing to do with your area of work or the latest news. Give your brain the pleasure of not to thinking, being stressed or making decisions.
There you have it.. some ways to take a break!... What are some of the things you like to do on a break?
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