5 Ways to Force Yourself to Take a Break

Working from home is hard enough. If you’re a blogger working from home, it may be even more difficult to draw the line between work and home. It’s recommended that you take breaks from your computer at least once ever 30 minutes, preserving your eyes and getting your body to stretch.

Once we get into the work groove, however, it’s difficult to tear ourselves away from the computer. Here are some ways to force yourself to take a break. These are all tricks that I use. Though some are rather drastic and exaggerated, hopefully they can steer you in the right direction for pulling yourself away from the computer every once in a while. Trust me–it’s good for you!

Drink Lots of Water

This is kind of stating the obvious, but a lot drinking water results in regular trips to the restroom. As long as you’re not going overboard, the flush of water will help to keep your system clean and healthy while forcing you to get up and take a break from your work.

And while you’re up, you might as well take care of a few small tasks so that you’re not terribly overwhelmed later. Hang up those clothes that are strewn across your bedroom floor, or load the dishwasher. It only takes a few minutes of your time, and you’ll be amazed how much you got done before sitting back down at your computer.

Get a Dog

Unless you’ve taught your dog to flush, having a furry friend around means that you’re responsible for its bathroom breaks as well. Not only will your dog get you away from your computer for a few minutes, but you’ll also be forced to go outside and get some fresh air.

While less frequent, dogs are particularly useful for forcing yourself to take a break earlier or later in the day. These are the times in the day where you’re most likely to have a strong focus on work, either to accomplish a great deal before your lunch meetings start, or to finish up your work for the day.

Bake Cookies

Cookies are delicious, and they act as a welcome reward to having accomplished the task of taking a break from work. Get some ready-made and pre-cut cookie dough, place them on a cookie sheet and pop them in the oven. If you’re looking for a longer break, stick around in the kitchen while you wait for the cookies to bake. Something as quick and easy as baking cookies turns the kitchen into a welcome reprieve, encouraging you to take a break lasting longer than just a few minutes.

If you dare to return to your computer while the cookies are in the oven, be sure to set the timer so you’re annoyed enough to not let the cookies burn in the oven. Other snacks can be applied to this theory as well, including popcorn, frozen hors d’oeuvres and leftovers.

Do Laundry

Laundry allows for a little more wiggle room in your forced break time, but sometimes flexibility is what you need. Pop a load into the washing machine before you get started with your day, and come back 45 minutes later to put the load into the dryer. Once your clothes are dry, there is a less immediate need to leave your work for a forced break. If you need one, however, set your dryer timer and feel free to get started on a second load.

Run a Bath

This trick is great towards the end of the day. Once you start your bath water, you have a few minutes to wrap up any remaining loose ends for work–you can’t let the water spill over the tub, right?! Even if you do have to get back to work, a 15 minute relaxation session in the tub can work wonders for your stamina and stress level. You’ll feel great after you get out of the tub, whether you’re relaxed or renewed. If you don’t want to relax too much in the tub, skip the bubbles, candles, music and soft lighting. Rev up with a good salt scrub and take a few minutes to escape to the one place the laptop can’t accompany you.

Written by Kristen Nicole from Kristen Nicole
Posted on January 4th, 2010 and filed under Blogging
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