![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c4832409f40a465eb9c7f110ec972872.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_583,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/c4832409f40a465eb9c7f110ec972872.jpg)
Nursing and Stress. What are micro-breaks, and how can they help?
When fully immersed in a task at work, you can become unaware of the strain and fatigue your body is feeling.
Micro breaks help reset your body and mind, taking a moment to relax before continuing with a busy day.
What is a micro-break?
A micro-break is any period of time taken away from any physically or mentally draining task. This can include both work and leisure tasks.
Micro breaks can last a few seconds up to several minutes. They can include activities such as looking at your phone, making a cup of tea, or simply going to the restroom.
The mental break that micro-breaks give your mind and body helps you to refocus and improve concentration when you return to your task.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_00d5a82d2e76482b863df5ed328b8247~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_980,h_653,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_00d5a82d2e76482b863df5ed328b8247~mv2.jpeg)
Positive effects from taking a micro-break
Some of the positive outcomes of taking a micro break may include:
● A calming effect- Micro breaks can reduce your heart rate, making you feel calmer.
● Become more engaged- Giving your brain a mental break will stop you from becoming disengaged from your work and give you a boost of concentration when you start work again
● Feel less stressed- Taking a physical break from your work allows your body to rest and relax before continuing your duties.
Different micro-break ideas
1. Walk through a doorway
The doorway effect is a real phenomenon; walking through a doorway has been shown to help alleviate stress and reset our short-term memory.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_736fea3fe6154f908710fbf6d77dd013~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_597,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/nsplsh_736fea3fe6154f908710fbf6d77dd013~mv2.jpg)
2. Prepare a snack
Bonus points if it's a healthy snack. Using different skills and focusing on something else for a few minutes helps reset your concentration.
3. Watch a funny video
Laughing is well known for relieving stress, and watching funny videos on your phone is a perfect way to unwind on a micro-break; make sure you don't lose track of time.
4. Talk to or text a friend
Humans are social beings, and checking in regularly with loved ones is proven to have a positive impact on both parties. A quick chat with a friend can help improve your well-being and decrease anxiety.
5. Listen to a guided meditation
Complete a quick guided meditation to recenter yourself during a busy shift. There are lots of apps that provide this service and can help improve your meditation techniques.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_6c7079eb4b9e416391050cabbff07345~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_654,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/11062b_6c7079eb4b9e416391050cabbff07345~mv2.jpg)
6. Do a quick stretch or hold poses
Taking time to appreciate our bodies and becoming aware of the tension we can carry throughout the day can help to alleviate headaches, backache, and general tense muscles.
7. Read a book
Reading a book during a micro-break gives you an escape from what is happening around you and allows your heart rate to slow and your body to relax.
If you've found yourself taking part in any of the above activities without even realizing it might be that your body naturally knows how to reset itself during periods of repetitive or stressful tasks.
Now that you know what a micro-break is, you can plan to make sure you're getting the most out of yourself during work tasks and your much-needed micro-breaks.
Reflection:
What do you think about micro breaks?
Do you regularly take micro-breaks at work?
What benefits will you see if you start to take meaningful micro breaks?
References
More Posts:
- The Impact of Shift Work on Digestive Health: Exploring the Challenges Faced by Night Shift Workers
- Knit Your Stress Away: The Therapeutic Benefits of Knitting and Crocheting for Nurses and Frontline
- PTSD in healthcare teams: the importance of resilience. Positive work space some ideas to create one
- "Unleash the Healing Power of Social Support: How Family and Friends Can Boost Your Mental Health"
- Unleashing the Healing Power of Creativity: Promoting Mental Health Among Nurses Through Innovation
Comments