Coffee Breaks Improve Mental Health

We all have busy days but there are also times when back-to-back appointments all day with clients, projects, or staff meetings keep us busier than most.  Then at the end of the day the eye lids close immediately after the head hits the pillow only to start over the next day at the same speed.  Those who find their employment to be fast paced, heavily interactive, and always meeting important deadlines may also find themselves neglecting a break time during their day.

Youth are staying busy with school all day then sports, clubs, and other extracurriculars in the evening are looking to get into the college of their dreams with the least amount of debt possible.  Parent's are making sure that their children are appropriately socialized and physically fit while also encouraging their child to explore every creative bone in their body with karate, gymnastics, guitar, 4-H, and every other activity that helps them engage.  Our jobs, events, and kids' activities are all exciting and reasonable, but are we getting any breaks to let our minds catch up throughout the day? 

What you do on your break makes a difference as well.  Using this time to pray, meditate, drink coffee, read a book, or doing something that relaxes you will make a significant difference on your stress level, blood pressure, and will provide a more positive day. 

In my academic career along with my professional experience working with youth in ministry, foster care, and residential treatment, there have been many days when a break was the last thing on my mind.  There have been times when I had to go to the bathroom all day or get a drink, but couldn't find the time.  There have been other situations when my wife asked me what I had to eat at the end of the day and I realized that I ate nothing all day.  Thankfully, not all seasons working with youth are the same. The last couple summers working nights were extremely involved, but fortunately this summer has been more relaxed with some much needed down time.  I'm appreciative of the days when breaks are more commonplace because it allows time for my brain to catch up and process information, relationships, and events in a healthy manner.  Do your mind a favor and take a break!

Recently, I read in a Stanford Graduate School of Business article that taking breaks increase productivity, which your boss will love, and it also improves your mental health.  The article stated,   

“It doesn't take much to convince business leaders and others that they should take a coffee break from time to time. Taking 10 or 15 minutes off ultimately increases productivity rather than decreasing it. How much more useful and fulfilling to stimulate one's "relaxation response" through a meditational or prayer practice during one of those break times.  If nothing else, there's good medical evidence that it helps you to reduce stress, limit negative emotions, lower blood pressure, restore calmness, and increase your overall sense of well-being.”*

                             *From: How to Bring Your Spiritual Side to Work Every Day | Stanford Graduate School of Business 

                             http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/how-bring-your-spiritual-side-work-every-day

Tony Nichols

--I find joy in helping other's experience hope and peace in their life.