Things To Do During Your Break When Working From Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Working from home has become a popular option for many professionals, offering the flexibility and comfort of managing your schedule without the commute. However, it can also come with its own challenges, one of the biggest being the tendency to blur the lines between work and personal time. Without the structure of an office environment, it’s easy to forget to take breaks, or worse, to take unproductive ones.

Breaks are not just moments of rest; they are essential for recharging your mental and physical energy. By taking mindful and intentional breaks, you can enhance your focus, boost creativity, and maintain productivity throughout the day. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of activities that you can incorporate into your workday to maximize the benefits of your break times while working from home.

1. Exercise: Re-energize Your Body and Mind

One of the best ways to recharge during a break is by incorporating physical activity. Exercise boosts endorphins, improves mood, and combats feelings of fatigue. Even if you're not the most active person, simple exercises like stretching or walking can make a big difference. Here are a few options:

Stretching: Set aside five to ten minutes to stretch your body, particularly your neck, back, and legs. Sitting for prolonged periods can lead to stiffness, and light stretching improves circulation.
Walking: A quick walk around your house or neighborhood can help clear your mind and energize you for your next work session. Walking outside has the added benefit of exposing you to natural light, which can further enhance mood and energy levels.
Yoga or Pilates: If you're looking for a more structured activity, try a short yoga or Pilates session. These low-impact exercises focus on posture, flexibility, and breathing, promoting mental clarity and relaxation.

Remember, you don’t have to commit to a full 30-minute workout—just 10-15 minutes of movement can have significant benefits for your body and mind.

2. Read: Nourish Your Mind

Taking a break to read is a great way to shift your focus from work-related tasks to something more enjoyable or intellectually stimulating. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or industry-related articles, reading can offer a mental escape while also providing learning opportunities. Here are some reading suggestions:

Books: Dive into a book you’ve been meaning to read, whether it's a novel, a biography, or a self-help book.
Articles: If you’re short on time, consider reading a few articles related to your personal interests or professional growth. Websites like Medium, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur offer bite-sized content that can inspire or educate you.
Online Journals and Research: For those who want to use breaks for professional development, reading industry reports or research papers can help keep you informed while taking a mental break from daily tasks.

Reading also helps improve cognitive function, enhance vocabulary, and reduce stress. So, whether it’s a chapter from your favorite book or an online article, make reading a regular part of your break routine.

3. Watch Your Favorite TV Shows or Movies: Relax and Unwind

After several hours of work, it can be refreshing to watch a short episode of your favorite TV show or a movie scene that helps you relax. Watching something enjoyable can offer a mental escape and allow you to return to work with a fresh perspective. Here are some tips for incorporating TV or movies into your break:

Short Episodes: Choose shows with 20-30 minute episodes that won’t eat up too much of your time. Comedy shows, animated series, or documentaries can provide light entertainment.
Movie Scenes: If you don’t have time to watch a full movie, consider watching a favorite scene or a segment from a film you love.
Using a VPN: If you’re outside of your home country, you can still access streaming services by using a VPN. For instance, if you want to watch content on Vudu while in the UK, a VPN will allow you to access your favorite shows seamlessly.

Watching a brief segment of your favorite show can help you unwind and break the monotony of a workday, giving your brain the chance to reset.

4. Journal: Process Your Thoughts

Journaling is a simple but powerful way to decompress during your break. Writing down your thoughts, feelings, or ideas can help you gain clarity on issues and relieve stress. Whether you prefer traditional pen and paper or typing on a laptop, journaling offers numerous benefits:

Emotional Release: Use journaling as an outlet to express your feelings. Writing about your emotions can help you process them more effectively, preventing burnout.
Goal Setting: Journaling can also help you track your progress on personal or professional goals. Write down what you accomplished during the day and what you’d like to achieve next.
Creative Expression: You can also use journaling to explore creative ideas. Try writing a poem, sketching a design, or brainstorming new project ideas. You don’t need to worry about perfection—this time is for free-flowing thoughts.

The practice of journaling for just a few minutes a day can be a valuable way to gain mental clarity and release tension.

5. Connect with Friends and Family: Stay Socially Engaged

Working from home can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you live alone. Taking a few moments to reach out to friends or family can help maintain a sense of connection and combat feelings of loneliness. Consider these methods of staying socially engaged:

Video Chats: A quick video chat with a loved one can brighten your mood and help you feel more connected to the outside world. Use platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp for a video call during your break.
Phone Calls: Sometimes, a short phone conversation is all you need to lift your spirits. Reach out to a friend or family member, even if it’s just for a five-minute chat.
Text Messages: If you’re pressed for time, sending a quick text message to check in on someone can still provide a sense of connection.

Staying connected with loved ones, even in small ways, is important for emotional well-being and can offer a refreshing break from work.

6. Listen to Music: Boost Your Mood and Focus

Music is one of the easiest and most effective ways to change your mood and energy levels. Whether you want to relax or energize yourself, the right music can help you reset during a break. Here are a few suggestions:

Relaxing Tunes: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try listening to calming music, such as instrumental or classical music. These genres have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve focus.
Upbeat Music: For an energy boost, listen to your favorite upbeat tracks. Pop, rock, or electronic music can help lift your spirits and get you ready for the next task.
Podcasts: If you prefer spoken word, listen to a podcast that interests you. It could be a motivational talk, an industry-related discussion, or a comedy show.

Put on some headphones, close your eyes, and allow the music to transport you to a more relaxed or energized state, depending on your needs.

7. Take a Nap: Refresh Your Mind and Body

Sometimes, the best way to reset during your workday is to take a short nap. A quick power nap can work wonders for restoring focus and reducing fatigue. Here’s how to nap effectively:

Keep it Short: Aim for a nap that lasts no longer than 20 minutes. This ensures you won’t enter deep sleep, which can leave you feeling groggy afterward.
Set an Alarm: Use an alarm to make sure you don’t oversleep. A 10-20 minute nap is ideal for refreshing your mind without making you feel sluggish.
Find a Comfortable Space: Create a quiet, comfortable space for your nap. Whether it’s your bed or a comfy chair, make sure you can fully relax.

A quick nap can improve alertness, mood, and cognitive function, helping you tackle the rest of your day with renewed energy.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Breaks

Taking breaks is not just about resting; it’s about rejuvenating your body and mind so you can perform better throughout the day. Whether you prefer physical activities like exercise or mental relaxation through reading and journaling, the key is to find activities that work best for you. Experiment with different activities to discover what helps you feel the most refreshed.

By making your breaks intentional and varied, you’ll find yourself more focused, productive, and happy working from home. So next time you feel your energy dipping, take a mindful break and come back to your work with a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm!