Taking Micro-Breaks With a Puzzle at Work
How short, calm puzzle breaks can fit into a working day, and how to take them without guilt.
A long day of work can leave your mind tired. Short breaks help.
What is a micro-break
A micro-break is a brief pause, usually one to five minutes. It gives your eyes and mind a rest.
Why they help
- They interrupt long stretches of concentration.
- They give you a change of focus.
- They can improve how you feel for the rest of the day.
Using a puzzle
A simple puzzle, such as a word search, is a good choice for a micro-break because:
- It is easy to start and stop.
- It needs no setup.
- It does not need heavy thinking.
When to take one
- After finishing a task
- When you feel your concentration slipping
- Between meetings
- At lunch
Set limits
A few minutes of puzzle can turn into half an hour. Set a timer on your phone, or decide in advance that you will find a set number of words.
Better breaks
Puzzles are only one kind of break. Try mixing:
- Standing and stretching
- A short walk
- A glass of water
- Looking out of the window
Remember that a screen break is not much of a rest for tired eyes if you are on a screen all day. Try to alternate with non-screen breaks.
At your workplace
Follow your workplace's rules and culture. A short break is generally fine, but use your own judgement.
Tips
- Keep breaks short.
- Mix screen and non-screen breaks.
- Set a limit.
Relax with an endless word search in Crossword - Word Search Game →
Crossword - Word Search Game
A relaxing, endless word search puzzle game
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