Microbreaks and Stretching

Humans were not meant to be seated in a static position for a prolonged length of time. Movement is the best medicine you can provide to your body. Integrate microbreaks into your work practice every 20-30 minutes.

Microbreaks are quick breaks that you can take that won't take you away from your work yet provide enough of a change for your body to rest and recover.  Microbreaks can include:

1. Stand up to take a phone call or read a paper
2. Look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds after 20 minutes of computer work
3. Close your eyes for 30 seconds

Stretches can help relieve tension built up in your muscles.  See the demonstrations on the Stretch Break software for examples.*

* While these are types of stretches recommended for workplace health, check with your personal physician to make sure a stretching routine is right for you, especially if you have any injuries or pre-existing conditions.

Computer Aids

When working hard at the computer, it's often easy to loose track of time.  There are several computer programs designed to help remember to take a break and stretch.

 Stretch-Break:  This program is SLAC-licensed for use on SLAC computers. It installs software onto your computer that pops up at pre-programmed times to remind you to take a break and stretch. If you select the “stretch now” option, it guides you through a few simple exercises that are ergonomically selected to help reduce computer-related ergonomic stressors*.

• Install from the SLAC Xweb (scroll to the bottom of the screen and select 'install now')
  If you do not have administrative rights on your computer, email IT Help to have computer support install the software.

* While these are types of stretches recommended for workplace health, check with your personal physician to make sure a stretching routine is right for you, especially if you have any injuries or pre-existing conditions.