Working from home has become an integral part of the transformed professional lifestyle during this coronavirus pandemic. There’s a lot of uncertainty about when it will be safe to go back to workplaces, as remote work policies continue. In these times of adjustment, it may be difficult to navigate around this way of life. Understand you are not alone and that you will get through this!
Whether you are a workaholic or just really laid-back, it is important to stay energized and focused throughout the day in healthy ways. The key? It could be as simple as taking more breaks.
Why take a break?
With everything—work, life, and entertainment—being virtual, experts recommend stepping away from screens in order to achieve optimal wellness. “Taking screen breaks throughout your day will help you get more done with greater ease and enjoyment and will also lower stress on your body and mind, which will benefit your overall health,” says Krista-Lynn Landolfi, a master transformation coach. While you may be tempted to doom-scroll and binge-watch, there are a multitude of ways to limit your time online and de-stress.
Along with those digital detoxes, try taking periodic breaks daily to focus on yourself. Work can be demanding sometimes, and if you are grinding away hour after hour, chances are this toil may be costing you more than productivity. “Taking breaks allows your brain and body to get the necessary recharge it needs to keep going,” says Brittany Johnson, a licensed mental health counselor. Keeping up the grind may seem fruitful, but it can negatively impact your long-term performance and mental health.
A break can be really helpful to refocus your attention if you experience brain fog or feel absent-minded. Taking a moment to recharge alone gives you time to reflect on yourself and understand why you are feeling the way you are. This short pause can actually help reboot your brain to be more tuned in. “It allows you time to come up with other ideas or solutions to [what] you are working on,” says Brittany.
What should you do during a break?
The options are endless, but you should try to engage in things that give you a sense of joy and comfort. Still, know that it may not be effective to take a break and get caught up in another monotonous task. Krista-Lynn, who works with clients of all ages from young professionals to celebrities, suggests infusing a sense of play in the day to lighten your mood and drive motivation. “Next time you’re feeling a midafternoon slump, turn on some music, get up, and dance! Dancing is a great form of exercise that increases heart rate and oxygenates the brain, which will lift the fog and quickly refocus you,” she says.
If you’re feeling distraught or scatterbrained, spend your break engaging in mood-boosting activities. Brittany recommends increasing your mental sharpness for better memory, focus, understanding, and concentration. “[Your] mental sharpness can [elevate] in various ways. Starting your morning with a short mindfulness exercise can give you the ability to install attention and focus,” she says. “I also recommend jigsaw puzzles or other games that require solving problems to increase mental sharpness.”
