Moving Muse: Break Time!
July 13th, 2009 | Published in Get Focused, Monday Jumpstart | 5 Comments
How often during your day do you take an honest to goodness break?
I’m not talking about the kind of breaks where you get up from your desk and go to the kitchen or the break room all the while your mind is still chattering away about projects and the to-do list.
I’m talking about the kind of break where you really turn your mind off for a few minutes.
Quality breaks help you gain mental clarity and focus.
I invite you to take 2 to 3 minute breaks throughout your day. Choose 3 to 4 times during your day where you’ll set the intention to quiet your mind and bring your attention back into your body.
The video above gives you some ideas for some stretches and breathing exercises you can do.
Try it! I’ll bet you’ll move through your day with even more focus and more clarity!
July 14th, 2009 at 10:26 am (#)
Jenn, thanks for this reminder! I don’t nearly take the breaks I should. One of my problems is I work with my laptop on my lap — and it feels like it takes too much energy to actually move the lap top and stand up. I’m trying to find some creative solutions to this.
Some other resources I’ve found that talk about the importance of quality breaks: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101151713 and http://zenhabits.net/2009/06/6-amazing-techniques-to-staying-happy-during-a-stressful-project/ (especially the “wierd break”).
July 14th, 2009 at 12:55 pm (#)
Gretchen! Thanks for sharing those resources – much appreciated!
July 20th, 2009 at 9:40 am (#)
Me too.. I forget to have ‘Just Be, Just Me’ breaks…
*hug*
Aran
July 20th, 2009 at 10:09 am (#)
Aran – I love that!! Just Be, Just Me breaks – that is so cool!
July 20th, 2009 at 11:16 am (#)
Jenn,
Thanks for this reminder about getting up and moving. It is funny because as you talked about here, I thought the breaks to go get something to drink was indeed considered a break. But you are right when I do that, my mind is continuing to be going full speed onto what I am doing and what I need to do when I return to my desk.
I do take breaks however, I do it dual duty. I usually exercise and take a break, however, most of the time my mind is still going. So, I am going to try and take these mental breaks a couple of times a day and see how it helps.
Thanks!
Teresa