We all need to take a break now and again, whether we’re working from home, studying or tackling that mountain of chores. 30 minutes might not seem like much but here are some activities you can easily fit into a half-hour break at home for a bit of me-time.
Why taking a break is important
Even very short breaks have been shown to improve concentration, make people feel more engaged with what they’re doing and even reduce pain and fatigue. Whether you’re in a loop of endless meetings, hunched over a laptop, or scrubbing your kitchen countertops, doing the same thing over and over all day isn’t good for your physical or mental health. That’s why taking time out to relax or do something different is so vital.
What can you do in 30 minutes?
Not everyone can take a full hour off in the middle of the day but everyone can – and should – take thirty minutes to themselves. It may not sound much but here are just a few of the things you could do in that time.
Get lost in a good book
There are more ways to read these days than ever before, from e-readers, phone apps, audiobooks or a good old-fashioned paperback from your local library. Choose whichever option suits you best, grab the book of your choice and a cup of tea or coffee, curl up and let yourself get lost inside the pages.
Play a game
Many people have games on their phone for when they’re stuck with nothing else to do. Whether you like puzzle games such as sudoku or enjoy collecting Pokémon or you prefer to play bingo online this can be a fun way to pass the time that isn’t too demanding if you’re having a tough day.
Practice yoga
Yoga is fantastic for both mind and body. As well as being a gentle and accessible form of exercise, it’s also a great way to de-stress and unwind. Another good thing about yoga is that unlike lots of other forms of exercise, it doesn’t require a lot of space or fancy equipment. There are plenty of beginner yoga videos online you can follow along with at home during your lunch break and you’re sure to return to your desk or chores feeling a lot more zen!
A home workout
Many of us lead sedentary lifestyles, which can put us more at risk of health problems like diabetes, heart disease and strokes as well as increasing our chances of becoming overweight or obese. Just thirty minutes of exercise a day can help combat this without even having to join a gym.
Take a walk
Spending time outdoors is important for both physical and mental health. It boosts our Vitamin D levels, lowers stress and has been shown to have positive effects on depression and anxiety. Taking a walk forces you to take a mental and physical break from whatever you’re busy with and allows you to just be, giving you time to appreciate the world around you and gain a fresh perspective.
