How Does Your Company Break Workplace Stress?

When I worked a 9-5 job, taking breaks was critical to my performance. Unfortunately, this is not the norm for most Americans.

In fact, only 20 percent of employees actually leave their desk to eat lunch.

Not only could this be affecting your performance at work, it also could be making you view your job as less fun and more stressful.

Let's look at some advantages taking a break - whether it's a lunch break or a 15-minute break to grab a snack or take a walk:

• Get a boost of energy - Mid-morning and mid-afternoon, get up from your desk and take a walk outside around the building for some fresh air. When you come back, you'll have more energy to complete the remainder of your tasks for the day.
• Improve your mood - Let's be honest, there's nothing like a full day at the office to put you in a bad mood. By taking short breaks throughout the day combined with a full, 30-minute lunch, you'll instantly feel more satisfied with your job.
• Enhance your level of focus - Staring at a computer screen all day can be draining, both physically and mentally. It's hard on your eyes and can cause headaches. By taking a time-out, you'll feel refreshed and more focused on your tasks at hand.

• Vent with a friend - Working a desk job can feel lonely, even though you're normally surrounded by others. Find a worker buddy to chat with, vent to and talk about life with. This helps relieve tension caused from work plus allows you to feel not so alone.

Not only do taking breaks benefit you, they benefit your boss and the company, too.

Employees who take breaks are happier and more productive, which makes for a better, more successful company.

Don't forget! Team-building activities and events are also great for employee morale. Hit up the bowling alley, go to a baseball game, host a happy hour after work or go on a team lunch!

What to do during your break

There are many things you can do on breaks to help relieve stress caused in the workplace.

A few ideas include:

• Grab something healthy to eat - Skip the vending machine and pack a healthy snack to improve memory and boost brain power. A handful of nuts, half an avocado or an apple should do the trick.
• Take a walk - Getting outside is just good for your soul. You'll feel better, be more energized and your attention span will improve. Even better - grab a friend to take a walk with!
• Play a game – Love computer games such as those available at major retailers like Walmart? Who says you can't play one while sitting at your desk on a break (as long as it's within company policy, of course)? This is a great way to get your mind off of work and possibly generate some new ideas when you get back to your task at hand.
• Meditate - A great way to relax and reduce stress associated with work is to spend five minutes meditating a few times throughout the day. Not only will it help you in the moment, meditation also improves your quality of sleep and reduces your risk of high blood pressure.

• Chat with your boss - You can definitely take 10 minutes or so to see how your boss is doing. While it's best to keep work-related venting out of the conversation, there's nothing wrong with befriending your boss and you may even benefit from this long-term.