Each quarter, the UF-UF Health Wellness Committee, along with GatorCare, focus on a variety of wellness topics. The third-quarter spotlight, Well@Work, promotes resources to help you take care of yourself while taking care of business. One initiative this quarter aims to help emWellployees maximize their work breaks to improve focus, increase productivity and ultimately renew their energy.

Traditionally, our workday includes little to no time for rest or renewal. Just like our phones, if we don’t recharge during the day, we constantly battle with depleting energy. Our minds can only focus for short periods of time, so if we use our breaks for rest or renewal our energy level remains steady throughout the work day.

Here’s how to make the most of your next work break:

• Be sure to take breaks when possible, even if they are only for a few minutes.
• Be intentional with your breaks by incorporating activities to help you renew physically, mentally and spiritually. Avoid engaging with your phone or computer.
• Go for a walk, hit the stairs, spend time outdoors, play a game with a co-worker, reconnect to the things that matter most to you, practice gratitude or take a few deep breaths.