We spend a significant portion of our waking lives at work. Most companies offer short breaks (often in the morning and another in the afternoon for the day shift) along with a meal break. Do you take your breaks? You should! Not only is it good to disconnect from the tasks at hand and recharge, but breaks are also a prime time to tackle small personal tasks.

Doing this is beneficial for a few reasons. The main one is that it frees up your time after work to focus on other things (hopefully fun things!). It can also bring peace of mind in knowing you tackled some individual or family things as you head back to your job. Finally, this practice can be effective in making contact with companies you deal with who are only open during the daytime.

Here are some ideas of things you can do with your breaktime at work:

Morning 15 Minute Break

Get a snack

Go for a short walk

While walking, return or make quick calls or texts

Check in with anyone who needs to hear from you

Start your grocery list

Pay a bill or two

Give some thought to a non-work problem you’ve experienced recently

Lunch Break

Have lunch – packed/brought from home is fastest and most economical

Update your calendar with upcoming activities

Return calls

Set up needed appointments

Make a list of things you need to do at home for the rest of the week

Arrange for returns (Amazon, stores, etc.). Gather receipts and make a plan.

Go outside and get some fresh air!

Afternoon 15 Minute Break

Take another short walk

Get some water to drink the rest of the day

In your mind, think about how you want your evening to go

Make some personal plans with friends or family

Check on social media

Read a few pages of a favorite book

Do some stretching

Quiet your mind and do nothing

It goes without saying that our favorite and most recommended breaktime activity is to shop for new desks, office chairs, tables and other furniture here at Office Furniture EZ!