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Many people discover an interesting relationship to their work when going through a significant life transition, such as a divorce or the end of a relationship. On one hand, just the thought of getting up and going to work can feel overwhelming when there are so many other things to think about and when emotions seem to be in charge. On the other hand, once at work, it’s common to find that the focus required on the job is a wonderfully refreshing relief from the emotional turmoil happening at home. Nevertheless, it is important not to become so bogged down at work that you do not take quality time for yourself.
Here are some ideas for how to take meaningful breaks during the workday to clear your head of both work and personal stresses. These breaks can allow you to remain focused on what you’re doing to the best of your ability and minimize distractions and interruptions, without upsetting your flow or our your boss and while continuing to appear (and be) productive? Here are some ideas:
- Set an alarm on your computer, phone, etc. to go off once an hour or every two hours, but make sure the alarm has a snooze feature. Consider the first ring a reminder that you have five minutes to wind down your thought process or your activity. Press snooze, and the next time you hear the alarm, take a three-minute break from your work. Ideally, this will involve getting out of your chair and moving a little bit, or it could mean a brief three-minute meditation, tuning in to your breath. See my three-minute vacations page for some more ideas.
- Always take a lunch break that involves getting out of the office building (yes, outside), even if that just means going downstairs and eating in front of the building. Just do it, every day. If you must have a lunchtime meeting or you have an emergency project due, still make time for 5 to 10 minutes outside of the office. OK, if the weather is really horrendous, just go down to a local sandwich place - but get out of the office!
- If you work in an office with a door that closes, designate a segment of your day to working privately, letting your coworkers know they are not to interrupt you unless it is a major emergency. This is admittedly easier for managers than for people lower on the totem pole…but then, managers are more often the ones who have offices in the first place. The point is to see if you can give yourself some privacy. Then, spent the first and the last five minutes of this private time taking a break - yoga, jumping jacks, meditation, a five minute nap (set an alarm!), whatever invigorates or relaxes you…you can get away with a lot more with the door closed!
- Along those lines, it’s amazing how peaceful it can be in the ladies’ room. If all else fails in terms of finding room for a private break, head into a stall and make yourself inconspicuous for a couple minutes while you focus on your breathing or take a similar mental vacation from your work.
- If your job involves getting out of your desk or out of the office (making copies, visiting clients, running errands for the bigwigs, delivering goody baskets, etc.), take the opportunity to take a wee little break for yourself in the process of moving from place to place. Notice how your feet feel on the floor and how it feels to breathe. If you get to go outside, notice details of the scene around you, including the wind and other natural elements.
- Regardless of your job, always take advantage of opportunities to transition slowly and deliberately between tasks, rather than rushing from one thing to the next.
These are some ideas, but I’m sure you can think of more…let me know what works for you!
