Feeling the Afternoon Slump? Contour Design Says – Take a Break

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It’s 2PM on a Wednesday, and if you’ve hit the wall, whether mentally or physically, you’re not alone. In a recent Contour Design email, they reminded us that taking regular breaks throughout the workday isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

We couldn’t agree more. Whether your back is stiff from sitting too long, your eyes are strained from hours of screen time, or your to-do list looks endless, a break might be just what you need to reset and recharge.

Contour’s Top Tips for Smarter Breaks

Contour Design shared a few easy to follow strategies that anyone can implement to feel better and work smarter:

  • 20/20/20 Rule
    • Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s a small habit with big benefits for reducing digital eye strain and improving focus.
  • Get Up and Move
    • Moving from one chair to another doesn’t count. Step away from your workstation, stretch, walk, or change your posture to improve circulation and fight fatigue.
  • Plan Your Breaks – Short and Long
    • Don’t wait until you’re burned out to step away. Incorporate microbreaks! Much like eye strain, taking just 20–30 seconds, every 20–30 minutes to stretch, change position, or look away from your screen, can be very beneficial. Even just standing up and sitting right back down can be valuable. These short, frequent pauses are just as important as longer breaks and help reduce fatigue, improve posture, and keep you focused. Then, every 2–3 hours, take a longer break. Take 2-5 minutes to walk, hydrate, or reset your mind and body before jumping back in.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of a Pause

Breaks help prevent musculoskeletal strain, eye fatigue, and burnout and support better performance throughout the day. As Contour points out, it’s not about doing less, it’s about doing better.

Don’t forget your workstation and work environment though. Our Office and Industrial Ergonomics Programs offers expert tips, tools, and ergonomic evaluations to help you build healthier work habits for the long haul.

Reach out if you need help. Your mind and body will thank you.

jmac13

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