The 3 B's to a More Relaxing Work Day

Life comes at you hard and fast, and there are some days when the pace only seems to increase. In addition to the typical stressors of life, modern technology ensures fewer opportunities to escape. There is always a blue light, a buzz or a beep that’s not too far away. So, what’s the most effective and efficiency way to recover? It turns out that it’s easier than you think, and involves the three B’s: body, breathing and breaks.
While many might think they need some sort of fancy workout plan or prescribed medication, something as simple as proper breathing can have long-lasting impacts. In fact, according to numerous studies, breathing can impact sustained attention. Furthermore, different forms of breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation can counteract the detrimental effects of stress and negative emotions.

Breathing

As a certified athletic trainer, Northside Hospital Gwinnett’s James Williams frequently begins the rehabilitation process by focusing on the diaphragm. “It’s imperative the athlete be in the right mindset,” said Williams, who currently works on the Georgia Gwinnett College campus. By moving oxygen into the body, you become more relaxed and can better receive instruction, which is true for athletes and employees.”

As a former athletic trainer for the Cleveland Browns and the Atlanta Falcons, Williams suggests five deep breaths every hour. “To facilitate this, it helps to stand flat against a wall and practice opening up the chest cavity for optimum results.”

Body

“Body positioning is critical,” continued Williams. “We are realizing just how incredibly powerful the brain can be. But, if we stare at a computer all day, the brain becomes less of a tool. As a result, words become jumbled and meaningless. We all need a reset from time to time in order to calm ourselves and re-focus.”

With this in mind, stretching can be incredibly helpful. We often end up hunched over cell phones in a stagnant position multiple times throughout the day. Based on the prolific use of cell phones for both personal and professional use, it’s become more important to stand up and stretch the hips in combination with movement. Williams suggests not only stretching but also walking 250 steps per hour. “Simply put, our bodies are designed for movement,” he says.

Breaks

Regular breaks promote higher work performance. Williams has observed among athletes that it helps to control nervous energy and fidgeting. It’s also well documented that productivity, mental well-being and overall work performance all begin to suffer without breaks. Furthermore, overworked employees often deal with chronic stress and thus job burnout. That’s why breaks can play such a critical role in the overall well-being of your team.

This includes not just lunch breaks but also other breaks throughout the day, says Williams. While breaks are incredibly important, it’s also helpful to remember that healthy breaks are even better. Williams suggests walking clubs, gym time, healthy snacking and socializing rather than running to get fast food or spending time on social media.

Employee wellness goes beyond biometric screenings and flu vaccinations. Today’s wellness programs provide daily tips that can be incorporated into even the busiest lifestyles. To help improve the overall health and wellbeing of employees, Northside Hospital Gwinnett’s Corporate Health has a range of wellness seminars, Lunch and Learns and Empower Hours that address physical and mental health topics. To learn more visit gwinnettmedicalcenter.org/corporatehealth.