How to have downtime as a freelancer

It is generally advised to take breaks often while working on the computer and if you’re working from yourself, it’s easy to do! Taking regular work breaks can provide several benefits, such as increase productivity, concentration; stimulate creativity, and reduce mental fatigue. A few good examples of work break activities are taking a walk outside or meditating. Some people like to do things like reading or play games on their phones or laptops during these breaks. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to have regular downtime during your working day as a freelancer…

Go for a lunchtime walk

Walking is a great way to spend time. It can help you increase your creativity and productivity. Walking is also a great workout routine that will help you stay in shape and reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

If you’re too busy, try taking a lunchtime walk instead of sitting at your desk or going out for lunch. You can even walk with a friend or fellow freelancer. If that’s not possible, turn off the screens in front of you and get up to take a break from work every hour, and walk up and down the stairs! The more often you do it, the better it will be for your health!

Play online games

Another option is to use your computer for downtime instead. I personally use a Pomodoro timer to schedule bursts of writing and bursts of free time. If you have a brain that just can’t sit still like mine; then take a writing break and instead do a brain workout! I love word-based games personally (always a writer) such as letter scramble which is also great for expanding your vocabulary as a writer too! How it works is the letters appear on the screen (quite rapidly as you work up through the game) and you need to make as many letters from them as quickly as you can, getting rid of as many letters as possible.

They also do a daily crossword which is again great for brain training. I thought I’d prefer this on paper and there is the option to print off the game and do it by hand but I actually prefer it online. The one thing that’s really useful is that it turns green when you get a letter right and red when it’s wrong which helps you know if you’re on the right lines!

Meditate

If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, one way to cope with these feelings is to practice meditation. Meditation has been found to improve physical and emotional well-being. Meditation can also reduce blood pressure, anxiety levels, chronic pain, insomnia levels and depression. Meditation is especially powerful for those who suffer from social anxiety because they can learn to control their emotions in their own headspace. The amazing thing about meditation is the many different ways you can practice it – all you need is some breathing practices, body positions, or even using your imagination! Use apps such as Calm and Headspace or just follow free tutorials on youtube.

I hope these have given you some great ideas on how to take a break from your desk-whether for ten minutes or an hour-when you run your own business.