Take a break at the office

Published in

LeadWise

4 min readJan 18, 2017

We all know how to power up our computers and sneak in some work on the weekend…But why haven’t we learned how to leave the proverbial office and go for a hike on a Wednesday morning?

Today, it’s so easy to be at your computer working at all times. Which is why it’s important to make time to do the things you enjoy and recharge your batteries. That’s the best way to stay inspired, connected and avoid burnout.

Here are some tips from the LeadWise team on how we plug in relaxation and fun during the “regular work week”:

Admire the world around you

Sit and look at the ocean when stressed on a sunny Thursday morning

Let the sound of the lapping waves soothe you.

See a rainbow out the window? Take a few minutes to take it all in

Admiring the world’s ephemeral beauty may give you inspiration and new ideas.

Simply look at the sky

Just that. Observe and admire with no other intentions.

Recharge

Take a 20 minutes nap after lunch

Here is a nice gadget to help you get a nap anywhere and a quick article with five reasons why you should nap every day.

Exercise before, during or after work

We all know we need to exercise, but it’s hard to keep the habit up. Some companies are even paying their employees to exercise at work, as exercise helps the employees to stay healthy and ultimately more productive at work. Don’t have much time to exercise during work hours? Try this quick lunchtime fitness break here.

Take 10 deep breaths and/or a walk after a stressful meeting

Step away from the computer and reconnect with your body and how you feel. Take the time needed to get your cortisol to normal levels. Here is a good free guided meditation app that might help you.

Refresh your mind with a jump on the swimming pool (when there is one)

Nothing like water to cleanse away stress. No pool, lake or sea around? Taking a bath or shower should do the trick.

Work from home every Friday for one month

If you need to ask permission, drive a hard bargain to get it. Create the precedent and prove to yourself and your managers that you can be more productive by working from home.

Get creative

Play with watercolors and doodle

Some of us are real artists, some of us are big doodlers - even American Presidents do it. No matter how artistically inclined you consider yourself to be, drawing is relaxing and can help you destress.

Take a 15 minutes break to play (air) guitar

…or the harmonica, or piano, or sing. It’s fun and energizing and keeps your musical chops sharp.

Take a random dance break

Because there’s no better way to get your blood flowing!

Express yourself with gifs

Connect

Organize a Friday team lunch at an unusual place and don’t go back to work in the afternoon

Break the routine and bond with coworkers at the same time.

Volunteer as a foster home for animals or take a 20 minute break at the dog park

Not that you needed confirmation that puppies are the best thing ever, but here is an article on why owning pets is good for the soul.

Spend your lunchtime with your virtual book club

Try out different virtual communities to get your literature fix in and keep your mind sharp.

Call an old friend or someone in your family that you haven’t spoken to in a while

What better way to feel connected than literally connecting with those you love?

Celebrate small victories with your team even if they are remote

Do you ensure that you and your teammates take these breaks? If not, how might your team ensure moments to recharge?

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LeadWise believes that we need to change how work works. We do this by developing online and in-person courses, workshops and cultivating peer-learning through our international community. Join the movement at www.leadwise.co.