Ever worry that taking breaks on the job will make you look lazy or unproductive? Well, you shouldn’t because the exact opposite is true — especially if they’re active breaks that involve some kind of heart-pumping physical activity like a brisk walk or wheel. In fact, workplaces that value health and wellness not only allow their staff members to take active breaks during work hours — they encourage it.
5 benefits of active breaks
- Improve your mood – Happy workers are more understanding, resilient and motivated.
- Positively affect your cognition – A worker who has an active break during the workday will experience better retention and recall of information.
- Reduce your cortisol levels – You’ll see a drop in your body’s stress hormones.
- Improve your circulation – It even strengthens the heart.
- Support your immune system – This means (you guessed it) fewer sick days.
- Boost your energy – The result? Increased productivity.
To support workers in their quest to be active, employers, directors and managers can make physical activity more accessible. How? By providing open space and equipment, subsidizing memberships at nearby gyms, offering free fitness classes before, during or after work, or even something as simple as encouraging workers to take active breaks.
Remember: Taking the time to move more at work is a wise choice. Any good boss will thank you.
