Why we need breaks away from our computers

With all this homeworking, it’s more important than ever to wind down away from your screen, computer and media in general. It can be the case that when you work from home you actually work harder due to the pressure to perform away from the office. But if you don’t switch off now and again, you risk affecting your physical and mental health and happiness, as well as your productivity.

We’re more productive when we take breaks

Taking breaks sparks creativity, helps us to feel more energised and, ultimately, dedicated to the task in hand. Especially if you are working for long periods of time, taking a break when you feel restless, frustrated, hungry or just all out of juice, helps you to come up with the new ideas and energy you need to get your work done effectively.

Don’t feel guilty about taking breaks, the research shows that staying fresh increases ‘lightbulb moments’ and increases your output.

Rest your eyes, they’re the only ones you’ve got

Computer vision syndrome is real and can cause headaches and blurred vision from the eyestrain caused by focusing for too long on a screen. Advice from the Health and Safety Executive is to take regular breaks from looking at your screen.

Your eye muscles are not made for focusing at the same distance and intensity all day. There are simple exercises you can do to maintain your eye muscles’ ability, such as looking away from your screen and focusing on something in the distance, blinking and eye rolling, as well as covering your eyes with your palms for a complete rest.

Your back needs you to take breaks

If you’re feeling tired and achy in your back, legs, hips, arms and shoulders, you are not taking enough breaks out of your working sitting position. It’s crucial that you get up and move around regularly to prevent the tension from building up and causing you discomfort.

Why not schedule in a ten-minute moving around break every 50 minutes or so? You could walk around the house, do some stretching exercises, or even go for a quick walk, run or cycle. There are numerous online workouts and yoga sessions you could access too.

Taking breaks keeps you happy

A constant focus on work, media and screens means that you are not giving yourself the mental breaks and healthy outlook you need to stay mentally well and happy. In your breaks away from your work take some time to focus on yourself and your interests. Reading a book is a great way to take your mind off work, or perhaps something creative like cooking, listening to music, writing, art or learning a new skill.

The benefits of increasing your awareness of the present moment improves mental health. Walking, meditation and breathing exercises are recommended as activities that keep us mentally healthy, happy and alert, which in turn help us to stay positive.

It’s great to feel absorbed in your work, but your breaks are just as important. By keeping physically and mentally fit you are helping yourself to stay positive. Breaks can be a reward for all your hard work; see planning them in as part of your day. If you’re happy and healthy, you’ll sleep better too, another benefit to your health that in the long run will make you better able to do your job and remain at the top of your game.

< Read more articles on our IT Academy