Good ways to take a break while at work?

[frogcat]

Howdy, all.

I'm writing this from the office, wondering if anyone has good ideas on how to take _effective_ breaks while at the office.
Specifically, what do you do while at the office that actually leaves you feeling refreshed and productive when the break's over?

I just recently finished a 30 day trial of cutting down my browsing of various internet forums, reddit type websites, blogs, etc.

All that happened was that I started browsing other websites... (ahem. hi! I'm a new member here!)

I think there's a deep underlying issue going on with regards to ways that I should relieve stress.

Browsing the web doesn't do it. I know this, and I keep doing it as a "break" but my breaks take up more and more time, and yet I don't feel replenished.

Vigorous exercise at the gym before going into the office helps tremendously. It seems like my web-browsing is worst on days when I don't go workout.

But, while I'm at the office, going outside and taking a walk around the block doesn't seem to be an effective break for me. At the end of the circuit, I still feel antsy.

Going for a drink of water doesn't help. Nor for coffee.

Any suggestions on what you've found to be great ways to "take a break" while at the office that actually leaves you feeling refreshed and rarin' to go when the break's over?

Hmm... as I write this, I am wondering about 10 min of quiet meditation... Sitting in a room (or my car?) and just meditating...

Thoughts?

[RT Wolf]

Welcome to the forums.

I recommend meditation. I love relieving stress with a few minutes of deep breathing. Alternatively, you could try focussing on one thing only, like getting water and drinking it.

Perhaps stretching every hour for a few minutes might help.

Try out pretty much anything you can think of, reading a book, excersizing, maybe even watching a funny video or two on the internet/tv or whatever.

[Shamou]

Hello frogcat...

You might try viewing one of these videos from TED... there are many topics and they last about 20 mins each... I find them fascinating and it could certainly give you a change of pace... which usually is quite relaxing...

BTW - If you could find a way of making your work fun... you probably would be stressed in the first place... easy to say... I know...

.

[Mark Lapierre]

I have a suggestion of one thing to not do. Don't start writing about subjects you're interested in... It's hard to stop and get back to work

But as Shamou said, if that is your work... Woah!

[frogcat]

thank you all for your suggestions.
Especially about the "don't post about subjects you're interested in... unless it's your work"

I think what I 'll take away from this is the importance of breaking out of my bad habits and trying out various methods and see what the results are. I think I will set a new 30 day trial, of basically going to meditate whenever I feel like browsing the web. We'll see what happens...

If it brings the results I like, great! If not, then time to try something else...

Thanks, all!

[RT Wolf]

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