Many people spend most of their workday sitting down. As a result, researchers are investigating how small changes can make everyday life healthier.
A new study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, examined how short movement breaks affect both well-being and work performance. According to HealthDay, nearly 11,500 adults participated in the study.
Breaks without drawbacks
Participants took a five-minute walking break every 30 minutes, every hour, or every two hours.
Each evening, they answered questions about their mood, energy levels, and workday.
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The researchers found that the breaks did not reduce participants' productivity.
On the contrary, the results showed modest improvements in both engagement and work performance.
The best option
All three break schedules had a positive effect. Participants reported feeling less tired and in a better mood.
However, the researchers concluded that one approach stood out.
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The best balance between effectiveness and practicality was taking a five-minute movement break once every hour.
According to the study, this simple habit could be a useful way to improve both well-being and the overall workday.
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