We know we all need to take a break from the screen from time to time and it especially comes to life when we’re working on an intense piece of work or project.
Indeed some of us have timers set up on our computer or vibrating seat cushions (yes those exist!) to remind us to break. All of this is super, really, it is and more of us should be doing it, but what I want to talk about today is how to make those movement breaks really count.
First, why do we break?
Human bodies aren’t designed to be in fixed positions doing repetitive tasks. Simple.
Yes we can have a great ergonomic set up but that still does not compensate for the lack of variety and diversity in our movements. It helps us get more out of our bodies when we are in a fixed position but that’s a pretty short term view both for our bodies & the business they work in.
When should we break?
Break every 20-30 minutes. After that time our body experiences physiological changes which put us a greater risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease. The break doesn’t need to be long but breaking does matter.
What should we do when we break?
Move!
- Think about the movements you’ve been doing since you last had a break & stop doing them – if you can, do the opposite movement; if your knees have been bent straighten them, if your fingers have been curled up the keyboard straight them too.
- Look at the shape your body has been in since your last break and change it – think un-sitting!
- Consider all the parts of you that haven’t moved since the last break and move them – your shoulders, your neck, your eyes, your toes… they all need to move so go ahead & move them.
Tanya is co-founder of Move More UK. She is passionate about seeing people thrive by moving more!
