[Competition] Wrike's Holiday Countdown 2023 - Day 1

If it's just a daily break, I try to step away and make some coffee or I'll go plop on the couch and just do a mindless task like scroll TikTok or turn on a TV so give my brain a rest for a little bit. But during the holidays, I turn off access to email and Slack on my phone so I'm not tempted to check. That way I can keep my attention on my family and not think about work unnecessarily. 

I unwind by doing some light stretches and breathing exercises. Maybe talk a walk around the neighborhood to increase blood circulation to the brain. I also make sure to take time to get cozy on the couch with my favorite blanket, a cat or two, and a cozy show.

When it's time to take a break at work, I use these strategies to unwind and recharge:

- A 10 minute guided meditation session

- A walk to the mailbox and back (to get some fresh air and sunshine)

- Pop by in my baby's play room for a quick cuddle

- Fill up my water cup

During the workday, I enjoy taking brief walks outside to create some space in my mind, along with moving my body to muster up some creative juices. Once I get home, a few snuggles with my dog is the perfect start to a relaxing evening by the fire. 

Breathing exercises help a lot. Then if I can, I try to get out of the house to workout, walk, even grab groceries. I just need to move and be separated from my work environment. 

I slay stress dragons with fierce workouts, emerge cleansed and renewed from nature's embrace, and weave bonds of laughter and joy with my cherished loved ones. Cinematic journeys ignite my imagination, transporting me to fantastical worlds where worries fade away. This isn't just routine, it's a thrilling quest for inner peace!

I love a good walk regardless of the weather. Give me a little stroll and a podcast, and I can destress. Also, I play with modeling clay in some stretches and it helps me connect to the creative parts of my brain. Great to do during a zoom meeting too. 

I work in a basement without windows, so I like to go for a short walk outside around our barns to see the animals and get some sunshine. If I don't have time for that I'll settle for listening to music or a quick youtube video. 

For ways to decompress during short breaks in my workday, my cats provide me with an excellent method:  playtime.  Cats are hunters and need the mental stimulation of chasing, stalking, and finding ways to retrieve a flying or crawling toy from a tight space--so I love to give them opportunities to chase toys throughout the house during breaks.  It gets me up and moving, and gives the cats immense pleasure, and also helps them get rid of excess energy they'd use destructively to get my attention in other ways.  It also gets me out from behind my screens and into the real world! 

For extended time away from work, I make sure my husband and I spend some quality time in natural settings, and I also seek out opportunities to make music with friends.  Phone on silent, work computer in hibernation until after the break--and during the holidays, lots of time in the kitchen attempting new recipes!  

My 80 lb newfiedoodle requires outside playtime with a squeaky ball EVERYDAY at 5:30 sharp. It's a great way to unwind. Even better on the days I have a squeaky ball in one hand and a pama martini in the other! 

Put on some Jazz music and bake with my daughter, this helps me create memories and have fun doing so. At this point, I only use my phone to take videos or pictures! Happy Holidays!

I catch up on cuddle time with my cat, Dwight.  

During work hours, I like to take a quick walk for a break. It gets my eyes off of my computer screen, energizes my body and helps me focus when I'm back in my office.

My Favorite way to unwind is doing outdoor activities whether its by myself or my family, I love to walk the outdoors whether its raining, snowing or sunny. It feels great to breath in fresh air. 

Screen break is so important. Working 8 hours a day on a screen then using TV as downtime was ruining me! 

When I need to take a break at work, I clock out and take a quick walk. I work in a small town, with a cute little downtown area, so it makes it easy to take a break. After a long day at work, when I get home and have done all the usual chores, my husband and I will make some tea and watch some TV together. When the weather is good (not freezing cold or raining), we will walk our dogs on our property or watch our chickens and ducks play. On the weekends, in the warmer months, we are rarely inside at all. We are usual on our kayaks in a lake or on a river.

I take a 4 o'clock Bumble break. My cat can only go so long without petting. So when he gets unbearably insistent (around 4 p.m.), I take a break and do nothing but pet him, with all my attention on him until he doesn't want to be pet anymore (5-15 minutes). He's always right, I did need a break. And focusing on the petting takes my focus off work and helps me quiet my mind for a few minutes, and then I'm ready to get back at it.

Unwinding and recharging are two very important things to incorporate into a daily routine. I find that time-blocking my schedule and keeping space for it looking ahead at the day and week help to make that happen. I prioritize personal habits like breaks to get fresh air/nature, stretch and breathe, make a protein-packed snack or finish up a quick task off my Today's To-Dos list. Ahead of the holidays or any time of potential stress or added responsibilities, I make extra-sure I have booked "me time" on the calendar. Wishing everyone a wonderful and peaceful holiday season!

Take a few laps around the building and walk with some Lo-Fi music to clear my mind and refresh myself! 

I put my work phone and laptop away and focus on time with my wife. We enjoy watching shows together. I also love to unwind with some strategy games!

My favourite break from work is to disconnect and go out for a walk.

Working from home most of the time, I like to take my 4-year-old son for a walk around the neighborhood on breaks. There's something about getting physically active and outside that makes a huge difference and can provide a much-needed reset!

Taking breaks and finding effective ways to unwind is crucial for maintaining well-being and productivity.

• Practicing deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation to center ourselves and reduce stress.
• Chatting with colleagues, friends, or family, even for a few minutes, can provide a social boost and break the monotony. 
• Enjoying a healthy snack or a cup of tea/coffee can be a comforting ritual to pause and recharge.
• Taking a break from screens and technology, even for a short period, can help reduce eyestrain and mental fatigue.
• Establishing clear boundaries between work and break time is essential. Avoiding work-related tasks during breaks can help maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Before taking the extended time off, I will let my colleagues know about my break duration. I will start the break by slowly unwinding and recharging myself by jotting down the things that come to my mind during this relaxing period. I will unwind sometimes by writing a journal on any particular event happened in my life, sometimes will engage deep into gardening at small happy corner of home think or make any corner of house a happy place by decorating it or sometime try to plan a trip with my close family and friends by fun conversations. Meditation, trying out some nice dancing steps, long walk with music in ears or reading an interesting book or late-night movie watching at home with family helps to recharge and to have fun filled break.

On my lunch break at work, I will scroll through social media looking for food to make (especially appetizers and treats) and ideas for items to craft (I love making home decor). Occasionally, I will watch a true crime video or do some online shopping. I also keep plants in the office and caring for them is a welcome distraction from the daily grind.

Shutting off work devices and notifications is a given. Making sure whatever regular alarms/timers I have set to keep me on track during the work day are off is my next step. I have a home office, so when I'm trying to get into vacation mode, I take about ten minutes after my last work day to "reset" my desk, delegating work-related notes or paperwork to a folder so they're out of sight, and out of mind. I try to have a special "getting out of work mode" activity planned -- I enjoy wrapping presents, so for winter holiday breaks I plan a special gift-wrapping night with my favorite holiday snacks, movies, and tunes to shake off the work week and ring in the holiday spirit. 

Take a walk, listen to music, or have a snack. There are few problems that cheese can't solve. 

I am fortunate to work at an organization with extended time off during the holiday season. I take the time to break away from my screen and focus on my fine art or travel. This year I'm fortunate enough to be able to work on some gouache or printmaking projects early on in the break and still have time to visit friends in Germany for the second part of our break. Happy Holidays, everyone!

When I need to take a break at work:

1. First step is to intentionally schedule the time, other wise, I'll keep typing away.
2. The second step is to get away from the computer. Go for a walk for 10 minutes. I live in Tucson, so it's the perfect time of year to be outside. Going for a walk helps clear the clutter from my head and when I get back to my desk, I am focused again!  

On my days off, I go hike at Sabino Canyon here in Tucson. It's a special place surrounded by desert beauty that captivates your mind and calms your soul. I find God there, get recentered. I've never gotten tired of it after 20 years of going. 

Before I leave I make sure that all of my Wrike messages, emails, and Slack messages are taken care of. In my out-of-office message, I list who specifically to contact if someone needs something while I am out. When I go on a vacation I make sure to leave the country or go somewhere with no cell service (typically a cruise or to the UP in MI) so that I am not tempted to see what is going on at work.