Break Time

Everyone needs to take breaks after they work a certain amount of time. Breaks help us be more productive by allowing us to rejuvenate ourselves and letting our minds or bodies rest for a little while.  Some people need to take a break after working for 1 hour; other people can work for 3 or 4 hours before taking a break.   

Ask your supervisor what is customary at your job regarding breaks.  You might ask, “What are the rules here about taking breaks?”  Most jobs have rules about breaks.  For example, for every 4 hours you work, you may be entitled to 15 minutes of break time. 

At some jobs, you might have a 30 minute lunch break.  In other jobs, your lunch break might be for one hour.  It just depends on the job!

No matter when or how long your breaks are, it is very important to return from your break on time.  It may help to set a timer or an alarm on your cell phone or watch at the start of your break to remind yourself when it is time to go back to work.  If you take breaks that are too long, you could be reprimanded or eventually fired!

  Some people like to take breaks alone, so they can have some peace and quiet.  Other people like to talk to their co-workers during breaks.  Either way is fine.  It is OK to talk to your co-workers during your break.  However, first make sure they also want to take a break so that you do not keep them from doing their work. You could say, "I’m going to take my break now.  Feel like joining me?"

Some work places have a specific area to take a break, appropriately titled a "break room."  At other places, it is customary to take a break at your desk or work area, or somewhere else close by, like outside the building.  For most jobs, it is not a good idea to go far from the building when taking your break because it might be hard to get back on time. 

Sometimes it is hard to know what to do during a break.  Breaks are not very structured, and it is not likely that someone will tell you what to do on your break, so you may need to come up with your break activities on your own. 

Here are some ideas for break activities:

Use the bathroom. Get something to drink. Eat a snack. Read a book or magazine. Surf the internet. Check email. Play a computer game. Practice relaxation strategies.