Active Breaks When Working from Home ????

Remote work has become the norm and the preferred mode for a great majority of people (I love it!), so it is crucial to pay attention to our physical and mental health. Often, the home environment makes us lose track of time, leading to long hours of work without breaks. That’s why active breaks are necessary and important.

Active breaks are brief pauses taken during the workday to interrupt physical and mental inactivity, promoting movement and light exercises to improve health and well-being. These breaks include activities that allow you to stretch your muscles, move your body, and reduce the tension accumulated from maintaining static postures for long periods.

They help us prevent health problems: Staying in the same position for long periods can cause muscle pain, posture problems, and eye strain. Active breaks help mitigate these risks.

Improved mental well-being: Taking a break to stretch, walk, or do light exercises can reduce stress and improve mood.

Increased productivity: Contrary to what one might think, taking regular breaks can improve concentration and efficiency, allowing tasks to be completed with higher quality and in less time.

Some recommendations for incorporating active breaks into your workday:

• Set alarms: Schedule alarms or reminders every hour to get up and move. Even a few minutes can make a big difference. (You can even schedule it in your calendar)
• Stretching exercises: Do basic stretches to relax your muscles. Focus on your neck, shoulders, back, and legs.
• Short walks: Take a walk around your house or garden. If you have the opportunity, go outside for some fresh air. (In my case, having a dog forces me to take breaks to take him out, thanks to him I incorporated this routine into my workday)
• Hydration: Use these breaks to drink water. Staying hydrated is essential for physical and mental well-being. (Having a bottle of water at the start of your day and keeping it in front of you will remind you to drink water)
• Breathing techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve concentration.
• Task variation: Alternate between different types of activities to avoid monotony and mental fatigue.

Incorporating active breaks into your remote work routine is not only an investment in your health but also in your productivity and overall well-being. Remember, a healthy worker is a happier and more efficient worker.