A lot of times we are at work and we just get down to business. If we are lucky, we remember to eat lunch or find an excuse to walk outside for at least 5 minutes. Even little distractions from the work can energize us in great ways.

We can be terrible with taking the vacation we need, I mean a real vacation where you are not calling into the office or constantly checking your emails. So I suspect that taking a mini-break during the day whether it is once or twice, is difficult. We are such a go, go, go society that the thought of stopping can be classified as a sin. The US consistently tops the charts of being the country who works the most hours per year by the United Nations Industrial Labor Organization.

While we may not be able to break the trend, we can take small breaks. The breaks can be a reward for accomplishing a task or a re-boot of our energy levels. In my case, the breaks allow my mind to wander again and give me some great (and not so great) ideas.

Do you encourage yourself or your employees to take mini-breaks? Do you have something fun to do for a few minutes? I remember it was really big in the 90’s to have pool tables, ping-pong tables, video games, etc. – while you don’t have to go that far (unless you want to). Maybe there are other things you can do.

Here are some suggestions:

Do you encourage people to step away from their desk for lunch? Maybe an outside picnic table for a quick lunch will give everyone that dose of sunshine and vitamin D to get their motors running.

Are you in a creative environment? Maybe a meeting room with bean bags or modern art on the walls to get the creative juices flowing.

Can’t leave your desk? What about a quick minute game on your computer like Bejeweled (literally it is a one minute game). Take a quick trip into social media or read that blog you like so much (hint, hint).

Need a longer break to unwind? Pick up a book and read a chapter, go ahead and splurge on a novel. Magazines are good too.

Need to revitalize your people skills? Check out some networking events and put them on your calendar. Meeting new people is a great way to get ideas flowing and is just fun.

Everyday pick me ups? Don’t be so serious in the office. Let out a laugh, tell a joke (only appropriate ones please), and my personal favorite – make fun of yourself.  We have heard it many times – laughter is the best medicine (and it tastes good going down).

We know what it’s like to get caught up in the day-to-day, to the point that we forget to look up from our computer screen or phone and enjoy what is around us.  Take a mini-break today, take another one tomorrow and keep going each day – you will find that extra energy and may become for efficient in the process.