Small but Mighty: Microbreaks for Mental Health

In the midst of busy days and heavy workloads, our mental health can sometimes take a back seat to productivity. But the key to feeling more balanced and focused might not come from working harder – it could actually be in how often we pause. Research shows that there are surprising benefits of building short breaks into our daily routines, showing that even the smallest pauses can play a meaningful role in reducing stress and supporting our overall well-being. These short breaks are also known as microbreaks.

So, what is a microbreak? It’s a brief pause, anywhere from a few seconds to five minutes, in any prolonged activity you’re doing and serves as a time to momentarily divert your attention away from the task. This could be your workday, a project, or even completing household chores. Though these breaks may be brief, they are actually very beneficial for our mental health and have the potential to:

• Prevent mental fatigue
• Reduce physical strain
• Improve focus
• Refresh your  mind
• Lower stress
• Boost mood

No matter how busy your day gets, there is always time for a microbreak! Taking a bathroom break, filling up your water bottle, having a quick stretch at your desk, stepping outside into the fresh air, or taking a walk down the hall or around the building are all great examples of easy microbreaks that you can incorporate into your daily routine. “Knowing when to take a break requires a bit of self-awareness,” says Randy Kinnick, Therapist at Centerstone, “only you can recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed.” Being clear about what you need from a break can help you decide whether a short or longer one is best in that moment.

Keep in mind that there may be times when a microbreak isn’t enough, and a longer break would be more helpful. This can give you more time to rest, recharge, and step away from the task at hand. The key is to be strategic about your schedule and designate time for microbreaks each day to ensure that your well-being stays on track.

Prioritizing our mental health doesn’t always require major changes. Sometimes, it’s the smallest shifts that make the biggest difference. By embracing the habit of taking brief, intentional pauses throughout the day, we create space to recharge and refocus. As the demands of modern life continue to grow, microbreaks have proven to be a simple yet powerful tool to support our well-being, reminding us that rest is a necessity.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed with your daily routine and are looking for support with stress management, Centerstone is here for you. Less stress starts here.