GIVE ME A BREAK

Taking five-minute breaks--whether you sit at a desk, do heavy construction work, or anything in between--can have several benefits. Short breaks can help increase your concentration, alertness, and work speed. They can help lower stress and your risk for on-the-job accidents, soreness, musculoskeletal disorders, and eyestrain. Short breaks are also linked to having a smaller waistline, lower body mass index (BMI), and lower triglyceride levels. Below are examples of some activities you can do in five minutes or less to benefit from rest breaks.

• Take several short breaks throughout the day (about every hour). Make sure they include some movement.
• If you watch television throughout the day, get up for increments of 5 minutes every hour.
• Take a short walk away from your workstation.
• Stand up and stretch or walk in place at your desk without looking at your computer monitor.
• Get out of your chair whenever you take phone calls at your desk.
• Change positions at your workstation or while seated.
• Have a drink of water or a light snack.