While few people would argue that taking breaks from the workday is beneficial, it seems most workers today find themselves chained to their desks for fear of lost productivity or looking like a slacker in front of their boss and/or peers. This workaholic mentality has seeped into the minds of many workers, largely due to the influx of technology. Therefore, it is even more important in today’s technological world, to take breaks from your workday …

Ironically, technology now allows us to work easier, from anywhere and anytime and because of this, workers believe that if it is possible to work, then maybe they should. The ability to multi-task by reading e-mails, while checking voicemails and texting on your phone all at the same time means people are more prone to work rather than take a break. But experts are quick to point out that in today’s workaholic world, taking breaks has never been more crucial to improving workplace productivity and efficiency. Here’s why taking breaks can improve your health, make you more effective on the job and generally a happier employee…

• Give Your Body a Break.
  Even if you have created an ergonomically-perfect environment for yourself, sitting at a desk in front of a computer for 8 to 9 hours a day will wreak havoc on your body. Taking a short break releases tension that has built up in your eyes, back, neck and shoulders. Releasing this stress can help fight fatigue and aching that comes from sitting in one spot for long periods of time.
• Let Those Creative Juices Flow.
  Contrary to what you may think, taking a break to do nothing can actually be the most productive thing you do all day. Not doing anything allows your body and mind to recharge, making way for you to approach the project you’re working on or a new task with a fresh and creative perspective. Ever wonder why people come up with great ideas in the shower? It’s because monotonous or physical activities stimulate free and creative thinking according to experts. Essentially repetitive actions cause the left part of the brain (responsible for critical thinking) to take a break so that the creative right part of the brain can well … be creative!
• Get Out and Enjoy Yourself and Your Job.
  Taking breaks allows you to get out and talk to people. Chat with colleagues over a cup of coffee, laugh it up over a recent TV show, or savor the latest team accomplishment. You’ll like your job better, and you’ll find that letting people get to know you can go a long way in furthering your career as well!

So, now you know the potential benefits that can come from taking breaks during your workday. Now here are a few additional tips for taking breaks.

A break can be anywhere from one minute to 15 minutes and still beneficial. Some people use this time to do stretching and others may do monotonous activities like making copies, filing or sorting. A break can even be something as simple as walking down the hall to someone’s office instead of emailing or calling them with the information. Your goal is simple - to “break” up any repetitive, motionless activity that has been performed for a long period of time.

So, give yourself a break – literally! You will be amazed by the positive impact taking breaks will have on your whole body and mind.