As a working woman, it is often challenging to find time to fit in a break during the workday. However, taking just a few minutes to step away from your desk and engage in a separate activity is incredibly beneficial for both your mental and physical health. If you’re worried you don’t have enough time to step away, then we can help. We’ve put together a list of several 10-minute activities you can do during your work breaks to de-stress, refocus, and re-energize.
Walk Outside
Spending just 10 minutes moving your body can do wonders for your mind and energy levels. Take a quick walk around the block to clear your mind and get some fresh air. Getting outside can help improve focus and productivity, decrease stress levels, and even boost your mood.
Do a Guided Meditation
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, then you should take a break to meditate. Meditation is one of many self-care ideas for working women, but it’s among the most beneficial for relaxing and refocusing. There are plenty of free guided meditations you can find on apps such as Headspace or YouTube. Close your eyes, take some deep breaths, and allow yourself to be present in the moment. You’ll return to work refreshed and ready to tackle any problems that come your way.
Stretch Your Body
Sitting at a desk all day can cause stiffness and discomfort. A sedentary lifestyle can also increase the risk of anxiety. While there are several tips for managing personal anxiety in the workplace you can try, stretching is one of the easier options. Take a few minutes to stretch out your muscles and alleviate any tension. Try some simple yoga poses, such as downward dog, or simply reach your arms up toward the sky and do some gentle twists. Your body and mind will both feel better after a good stretch session.
Read a Book or Article
Taking a break from technology is incredibly refreshing for your mind. Spend 10 minutes reading something that interests you, whether that’s a book or a magazine article. You can read something related to work or just for fun. Whatever you read, taking a break from the computer screen and physically holding a book will soothe your eyes and brain.
Taking a few minutes during the workday to engage in some sort of activity can have major benefits for your mental and physical well-being. These 10-minute activities you can do on your work breaks offer specific ideas for reaping those benefits, but you can choose other activities you enjoy as well. If you work from home, you can set up a puzzle on the kitchen table or play with a pet. Whatever you do, embrace rest during your break.