Task 3
More recovery, less stress
Do we break to recover or activate?
A break can be physically restorative (a relaxing exercise) or active (a walk outside). Restorative breaks are important for calming down an overloading mind and body. Especially, for people who have a physical job to avoid too high of a physical burden.
Take your pick of restorative breaks
Choose a break activity from the list below, take a Firstbeat Life measurement and find out if you can achieve more recovery during the workday.
Examples of restorative breaks:
- Close your eyes and relax
- People watch or watch nature out your window
- Listen to peaceful music
- Read a book or magazine
- Find a quiet space to be alone
- Complete a breathing exercise
- Simply stop for a few moments
Bonus task
Breathing exercise to take together
Participate in a joint relaxing exercise
See how you can influence your body and mind by doing the exercise together with your colleagues.
Agree in advance with colleagues to take part in a (joint) 3-5 minute relaxing breathing exercise before a meeting. At the end of the meeting discuss its impacts on your ability to concentrate, your mood, and your energy level.
Examine your Firstbeat Life results to see if the relaxing exercise showed up as recovery. Did your stress levels go down and can you spot any changes in your heart rate (HR) or heart rate variability (HRV)?