A good break can help you to return to work refreshed, inspired and motivated. In this article, we’ll look at everything from social activities and cultural opportunities to mindfulness exercises and physical activities.
As many of us return to work after the holidays, we find ourselves diving into a busy period as plans for 2025 are put into motion. During this time of year, it can be easy to forget to prioritize your well-being; an important step for anyone looking to avoid burnout later on. Today we’re focusing on the importance of taking breaks and some ways to spend them. In this article we’ll introduce you to five creative break ideas to help you stay refreshed, focused, and capable of doing your best work.
A good break can help you to return to work refreshed, inspired, and motivated. Research indicates that taking breaks is linked to improved performance and overall well-being. It’s no surprise that doing your job well is easier when you’re feeling refreshed.
Figuring out the best way for you to spend your break depends on a number of factors. For example: how long are your breaks? Where are you and what’s around? What type of activity (or lack thereof) works best for you?
Some people like to chat during their breaks, while some would rather disconnect from everything and everyone and let their mind reset. Others prefer active breaks, like going for a walk or a few minutes of stretching. Some prefer to take longer breaks when possible, while others prefer short, frequent breaks. You may even find that you work best with very short breaks, like the five-minute increments provided by the Pomodoro technique.
While today we’re going to be focusing on activities for short breaks between 15 and 30 minutes, these ideas can also be adapted for longer breaks as well. We’ll look at ideas to spend your break socially, ideas to get you moving around, and ways to stimulate your brain. We’ll also share ideas for a isolated moments of quiet, plus opportunities to explore the areas around where you work. None of these ideas will be one-size-fits-all, but we hope that something in this article will work for you and help you get the most out of your break so you come back ready to do your best work!
One fun and inspiring idea to spend your break is to take in some local art or culture. Research suggests that viewing art increases mood and well-being. If you work downtown, like many Workhaus members, you may have easy access to galleries, museums, and cultural events. The city is rich with public art, including statues, street art and incredible architecture. The Alan Lambert Galleria at Brookfield Place, the courtyard at Commerce Court, and Graffiti Alley are just a few examples. The City of Toronto even has an interactive map of outdoor artwork that can help you find new sites to see all the time.
There are also frequent cultural events like art fairs and markets taking place in the centrally located Nathan Phillips Square. If you have a longer break, you could even pop into the Canadian Opera Company for a free lunchtime show.
If you aren’t looking to venture out of the office or don’t have access to the amenities in the downtown core, there are still many options for you. For example, you can take a digital tour of some museums and galleries, like the Canadian Museum of History or the ROM. And there’s no shortage of things to discover through Google Arts & Culture. The platform brings information and high resolution images from thousands of global cultural institutes right to you.
Your break can be a great time to get some social interaction in, especially for those who work alone for much of the day. You can schedule time to have coffee with members of your team or a friend, or you could strike up a conversation in the kitchen or lounge at the office where you might meet someone new or catch up with somebody you haven’t spoken to in a while. Either way, chit-chat is more beneficial than we give it credit for.
You can be able to connect with co-workers digitally. If your workplace allows it, consider starting a Slack channel to talk about things that aren’t work-related. You can share hobbies and interests, new movies or TV shows you’ve been watching, recipes you’d like to share or like to try. You never know how much you have in common with your co-workers until you ask!
In a world where we primarily use text messages to communicate, you can always pick up the phone to catch up with your partner, kids, roommates, or friends. Give the 8-minute phone call a try and experience the benefits for yourself.
For a deeply refreshing break, you may want to try mindfulness or breathing exercises. One example would be 5 or 10 minutes of yoga stretches. You may think you need to be an expert or have a teacher, but you can find short, beginner-friendly guided routines on YouTube and other websites.
The benefits of yoga are bountiful, as are the benefits of the related practices of meditation and focused breathing. Guided meditations, which are less physically demanding than yoga, are very refreshing for the mind and calming overall. They’re easy to find online too. Headspace and Mindful are two popular resources for beginners.
If mediation and yoga don’t work for you, there are other practices you can try that require less space and focus. A zen garden or coloring book can help you experience mindful moments. While playing with sand or coloring may bring childhood to mind, these activities aren’t just for kids! Studies have shown real benefits from coloring. It’s no wonder adult coloring books have become increasingly popular and easy to find. You might also consider caring for plants. There are plenty of small plants that you can grow indoors and keep at a desk or in an office.
Finally, you could consider keeping a journal. Try taking short breaks to write down thoughts and ideas, vent your frustrations, or simply reflect on your day. You may be surprised by how much it helps!
At Workhaus, our newly installed relaxation areas are designed to help you unwind, making them a great place to partake in some of the above.
One idea that can be particularly useful for anyone who works at a desk for much of the day and may not get to move around much is to do something physically active on your break. A great example previously mentioned would be a ten minute yoga routine using a digital guide through an app or website. Another great idea is a quick bodyweight workout focused on exercises like squats, push ups, or other activities that can be done in a small space.
If you prefer a change of scenery, getting outside for a run is an excellent option. Parks like Queen’s Park, near our 180 Dundas location, or Grange Park, near our 215 Spadina location, are great places to get in some exercise and enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time. You’ll also feel energized when you come back to work as running will release endorphins, giving you a second wind as you return to work.
However, you don’t need to move at high speeds to get exercise. Going for a walk is one of the best forms of exercise. Plenty of neighborhoods downtown are filled with incredible street art, murals, and colorful storefronts that are worth strolling past. You can even try color walking, which will change how you view the streets around you. And of course, exercise isn’t limited to those who can run, walk, or stand. If you have limited mobility, there are many activities that can be adapted to suit your needs, like chair yoga or chair aerobics for example.
Some offices have access to an on site fitness center, like our Dundas and Spadina locations, a discounted membership at a nearby gym or athletic facility, or other exercise resources.
While we’ve explored some great ideas aimed at giving your brain a break, it can also be beneficial to stimulate your mind during your downtime. Turning your focus away from work and toward another healthy challenge can enhance your creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive function.
Brain teasers like crossword puzzles or sudoku or wordle, can help you improve your problem solving and logical thinking skills. They can also be incredibly satisfying to complete! The New York Times, Washington Post, and Toronto Star all offer a selection of games, most of which you can play for free! If you prefer to play on paper, you can also find game books – something we have available in the relaxation rooms of each Workhaus location.
You can also try learning a new skill by dedicating a few minutes of your break to learn or practice something new. Consider learning a language, solving a Rubik’s cube, or any of the activities we mentioned earlier. Even a small amount of practice each day can make a significant difference. Just a few minutes of practicing a skill each day can really add up over time!
Remember, the ideal break is unique to each individual. The key is to find activities that are pleasant and interesting, so keep experimenting until you find what works best. If you have limited time, adapt your favorite activities to your circumstances. Most importantly, remember to be as consistent as you can. While it may be easy to get caught up in important work, taking breaks is important too. Beyond improving your productivity, consistent breaks can lead to better overall well-being and help avoid burnout. By incorporating breaks into your workday, you’re investing in your mental and physical health. So, go ahead, step away from your desk, and discover the transformative power of a well-deserved break.
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