Revolutionize Your Workday: The Surprising Benefits of Taking Breaks and Prioritizing Wellness
How many breaks a worker needs each day to be most productive
Managing your time well is important for personal and business success. A recent poll of 2,000 people found that more than 70% feel they have too many things to do every day, and 18% don’t take breaks at work.
The poll, conducted by OnePoll for Pacific Foods, found that people have an average of four busy days a week. One in eight said that every day is a “busy day” and that it’s hard to find time for breaks.
One in eight people don’t get any breaks, but most get four a day, just one less than they think they need (5).
The Best Things to Do on a Break
People think a 17-minute break is excellent, and they’d like to listen to music (41% of them) or eat or snack without interruption (36%). While 35% would go for a walk, 34% would sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Three-quarters of those who take a break stay hydrated in the kitchen (33%) or enjoy a warm drink (22%).
20% say they forget to take breaks most of the week because they have so much going on, and 34% say they “always” or “often” fail to take care of themselves.
36% of those surveyed say they “always” or “often” wish they could take more breaks.
Five hundred fifty-five percent of people who wish they could take more breaks don’t because they are too busy (55%).
Some of their problems are that they can’t turn their thoughts off (31%) and that they also lose track of time (31%).
How breaks affect the health and happiness of workers
Most of the people who answered (87%) agree that they are important for health even though they say they don’t take enough breaks.
“Taking breaks may not seem like a good idea in today’s busy world, but studies have shown that they are perfect for your health and can help lower stress, boost productivity, improve mood, and make it easier to concentrate and focus,” says Mia Syn, MS, RDN.
The poll asked respondents to define wellness. Some said it meant “being healthy, happy, and full of energy.” Others said it meant “recharging your body” and “taking care of yourself to ensure your mind stays sharp.”
51% of Americans say their health habits are above average, and 62% of those with good habits do them daily.
A third of those who say they have healthy habits say they aren’t always a concern. In the same way, one in six people say that awareness is not vital to them at all.
Healthy eating is also a “low” or “no” concern for 23% of people when busy.
Most Americans (91% of them) agree that making healthy habits a part of self-care, and they often get ideas for new habits from the media.
“Practicing yoga,” “intermittent fasting,” “incorporating sea moss,” or “ashwagandha,” and the “lemon and cucumber drink” are some of the health trends that people have been interested in.
Over half of social media users (57%) say they are likely to follow a health-related trend. Another third say they would follow trends made famous by a celebrity or other influential person.
And respondents are using this to help them reach their nutrition goals: 36% want to put healthy foods ahead of fatty foods (23%).
“More and more Americans are realizing that what they eat affects not only their physical health but also how they feel, like their energy level and mental health,” Syn said. “This has made nutrient-dense foods that the body needs more popular and given them more importance than less healthy, more indulgent foods.”
What Do People in the US Mean by “Wellness”?
“Healthy, happy, and full of energy” 2. “Taking care of yourself to keep your mind sharp”
“Physical and mental stability” means being able to “feel good, share yourself with others, and do normal things without pain.”
“Making sure you have a healthy life balance and time for your mental, physical, and even spiritual health”
“Get your mind and body in sync to be healthy.”
“Wellness is a whole-person approach that looks for complete well-being in all parts of the person.”
“Developing and maintaining good daily habits can lead to better physical and mental health, allowing you to thrive instead of just surviving.”
“Getting enough sleep, not smoking, drinking little or no alcohol, working out for an hour at least three times a week, eating well, and spending time with other people.”
“Give your body rest, food, and water to prepare for the day.”
Here are some related articles from your friends at Your Career Place.
https://yourcareerplace.com/leadership/book-review-the-7-habits-of-highly-effective-people/
https://yourcareerplace.com/career-management-tip/how-to-be-a-great-employee/
