5 BAD Changes That Can Happen If You Do Not Take Breaks During WFH 

Due to the deadly coronavirus, our lives have changed to the new normal of working from home (wfh). Even after we have all the luxury and comfort of working from home, these come with some disadvantages too.

The risk of our health and bond with our loved ones, is the biggest risk now. With work from home being the new normal, taking a break and maintaining work-life balance has become very difficult. 

Most of the working professionals have been glued to their screens for longer hours as work has increased. Many don’t take any meal breaks during the workday while others try to avoid any family function or gathering as work is pending.

Recently, Dr Subhash Jangid, Director and Unit Head, Fortis Bone And Joint Institute, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram revealed few things that can happen to any working professionals when you skip taking breaks:

- YOU LOSE FOCUS AND CONCENTRATION: You may think that taking a break will distract you from your work but turns out, that isn’t true at all. Taking small breaks can improve your ability to concentrate and improve focus. Meanwhile, lack of proper breaks can reduce productivity.

- YOU MIGHT DEVELOP NECK AND BACK ISSUES: Dr Jangid says, “Staying in one position for a prolonged period of time can result in spine issues. If you don’t take a break between work, the muscles of the back which are antigravity muscles will get fatigued which will lead to pain and stiffness.” 

“Neck pain is another issue which can arise or reoccur because of awkward working postures. To avoid these issues, you must take a few breaks to do regular stretching exercises that will keep the muscles in good shape,” Dr Jangid added.

- YOU FEEL FATIGUED ALL THE TIME: When u feel exhausted most of the time, it is because you are not giving your body and mind the time to relax. If we work for long hours without any break then that can leave you extremely fatigued.

- YOU FIND IT DIFFICULT TO MAKE DECISIONS: When your mind and body are not rested properly, then decisions-making can become difficult. According to a recent study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that judges who skipped breaks during their shifts went with the easiest choices and decisions as they were very tired.

- YOU MIGHT GET ISOLATED: Not having meals with family or even a weekend trip can leave you feeling isolated and lonely. When we take breaks then we connect with family, co-workers and friends.

Dr Jangid says, “People who have been staying at home for the past few months are reporting a number of psychological issues. This is due to a lack of social contact with friends and family members. People are missing the typical office culture and environment which is leading to a deterioration in mental health.”