The importance of taking a break from your screen

by Beth Gardiner | Apr 11, 2025 | Uncategorized

The Importance of Taking a Lunch Break Away from Your Screen

As an occupational therapist, I always stress the importance of self-care and managing stress to my clients. One simple yet incredibly effective strategy is taking a lunch break away from your computer or laptop. This small change can make a big difference in reducing stress and boosting your overall well-being. 

Recently, I had a delightful walk by the canal during my lunch break. This beautiful spot is just a short distance from my office and offers a perfect escape from the daily grind. Even when working from home, I make it a point to take an hour-long lunch break away from my screen. The positive impact is truly amazing. 

When I skip this essential break, I notice a range of negative effects. Headaches become more frequent, and I feel tension building up in my shoulders and neck. These physical symptoms are clear signs of stress, which can be alleviated by simply stepping away from the screen. 

Taking a break helps reduce eye strain, which can lead to headaches and discomfort. It also improves posture by allowing you to move around and relieve tension. A change of scenery and some fresh air can do wonders for your mental clarity, helping you reset your mind and making you more productive and focused when you return to work. Physical activity, like a walk, releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Additionally, taking a break away from your screen encourages mindfulness. During my walks, I take the time to notice the grass, the trees, and the sun on my face. These mindful moments allow me to be present, significantly reducing stress levels and also give your brain a much-needed break. This “brain break” allows your nervous system to calm down and release built-up tension. By giving yourself this time to unwind, you return to work feeling refreshed and more capable of tackling tasks efficiently. 

Incorporating regular breaks into your workday is a simple yet powerful way to manage stress and improve your overall well-being. So, next time you’re tempted to work through lunch, remember the benefits of stepping away from your screen. 

Your body and mind will thank you for it. 

Gardening for exercise

by Beth Gardiner | May 17, 2024 | Uncategorized

Have you ever considered gardening to be a form of exercise? 

This week I was pleasantly surprised to read that 3 hours gardening is the equivalent of 1 hour in the gym! 

Gardening is indeed a fantastic form of exercise, offering a fabulous blend of both physical and mental health benefits. 

I often find that as a busy working mum I don’t have the hours to spend in the garden, but find that even half an hour doing a bit of weeding or planting is totally rewarding and often  helps me to feel rejuvenated and re-centered. 

It is a go-to stress reliever, promoting relaxation and improving mood, with the added benefit of engaging all the major muscle groups as well as building strength, improving flexibility, balance and range of motion! 

So, whether you have a few minutes or a few hours, tending to your garden is a fantastic way to stay fit and centered. 

If you don’t have your own garden, there are plenty of community gardening projects and volunteering opportunities around that you could get involved with, highlighted by Rebecca in her recent blog.