As a healthcare professional, it’s almost inevitable that the past two years have been the busiest and most stressful of your career. Therefore, taking breaks might seem like a luxury you can’t afford, but they’re more important than you probably realize.
Stopping to rest throughout your shift is essential to your health because your body can’t function properly and go full speed for hours. Are you not convinced? Here are a few reasons to make time for yourself during the workday.
4 Health Benefits of Taking Breaks at Work
Boost Your Energy Levels
It’s hard to be productive when you’re completely exhausted. Stopping to take a break allows your mind and body to relax, effectively recharging your batteries. Whether you sit down for lunch in the cafeteria or head outside for some fresh air, even a few minutes of rest will do your body good.
Lower Stress
Working in healthcare can be very stressful, which can be hard to cope with for an entire shift — unless you can get some relief. Escaping the chaos for a break is essential because it allows you to decompress. You’ll be able to take this renewed sense of calm back to your work, which will reduce your anxiety for the rest of your shift.
Avoid Injury
When you’re exhausted, it’s easy for accidents to happen at work. Taking a break gives you a chance to relax for at least a few minutes, allowing your body a much-needed rest. For example, repetitive movements and fatigue can lead to back pain. If you think you don’t have time for a break, consider how many days you’ll have to take off work if you get injured.
Gain Healthier Habits
You spend a significant amount of time at work, so your habits have a huge impact on your life. Therefore, if you’re regularly having dinner from the vending machine because you don’t want to take a break, this will negatively affect your health. Making time for breaks allows you to develop healthy habits — i.e., eating a balanced meal at dinnertime — so you can be your best self on and off the clock.
If you’re interested in exploring new healthcare opportunities, Management Registry, Inc. wants to help. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your career!