Break - look for nice places
Dr. Andrea Bannert has been with since 2013. The doctor of biology and medicine editor initially carried out research in microbiology and is the team's expert on the tiny things: bacteria, viruses, molecules and genes. She also works as a freelancer for Bayerischer Rundfunk and various science magazines and writes fantasy novels and children's stories.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Where and how a person recovers best varies greatly from person to person. In general, however, the following applies: In order to switch off properly, you should change location.
If you stay seated at your PC, you will quickly be torn from the recovery phase by the ringing phone or an incoming e-mail. Taking a break at work between noisy machines or in a dusty environment is also not relaxing.
Contrasts are required
Studies show that contrasts are relaxing. If you create variety during your break, you can switch off more easily. Workers who talk to customers all day might want to go to a place where they can be by themselves, such as the park. Those who spend a lot of time at the PC may like to go out to eat with colleagues or take a walk with stretching and loosening exercises.
It is important that you feel comfortable in your break area. External factors can play an important role:
- Sufficient light keeps you awake.
- You shouldn't freeze - ideally the temperature is 21 degrees Celsius.
- A good break room or break area offers the opportunity to eat and drink in peace.
- You shouldn't feel bothered by noise, dust, smells or hazardous substances.
- You do not have to be available during the break. So leave the work phone in the office.
- Nature promotes the break effect. According to occupational physicians, a walk through the park is more relaxing than walking around the block.
Prescribed recreational area
Some people work outdoors or are in constant contact with customers. The employer must provide these people with a suitable break room. The equipment of this room is precisely regulated in the workplace ordinance. The break area must, for example, offer an opportunity to cool or warm up food that you have brought with you. No extra break room is required in an office.
