The Power of Breaks for Mental Wellbeing

Be it a desk job or writing or studying or any other activity that we do. After sometime all of us have experienced the fatigue that occurs. Have you wondered why is it so?

Studies have proven that our minds can function effectively for 15-20 minutes at a stretch. Thus breaks help in the following ways:

1. Stress buster: A break from our tasks helps us destress from the activity we are performing thus relaxing our body and mind. This helps to recharge our body and mind and make us reattempt our task with renewed energy.

2. Improved attention span and concentration: due to break in activities and relaxation of the mind as a consequence we can improve our attention and focus leading to better performance and productivity.

3. Increased creativity: A relaxed and rejuvenated mind can increase creativity and provide fresh  perspectives to creative efforts.

4. Frequent breaks prevents mental fatigue and fogginess of the mind which otherwise will decrease performance and productivity.

5. Improved mental health: due to frequent breaks our attention on a particular stressful activity for prolonged time is decreased and the mind gets to relax. This will decrease mental stress and in yhe bargain improve mental health.

What are the ways in which we can take a break?

1. Walking: moving from your desk and walking for sometime will give your mind as well as body A breaknfrom the strain of sitting in one posture and working at a certain task.

2. Meditation: A few minutes of deep breathing amd Meditation will calm and refresh your mind.

3. If possible taking a walk in the natural environment helps reliving stress as we are surrounded by fresh air and our eyes trained for near activity also focus on distant objects thus relaxing our body and mind.

Thus, breaks are essential for our physical and mental health as they leave us rejuvenated,  improve our mood and promote general wel being.

What is it that you do to take a break? Do share with me in the comments below.

In response to WDYS #258

Image credit; Kateryna Hliznitsova @ Unsplash