Got five minutes? A new study suggests that this may be all it takes to boost your mood, reduce fatigue and break unhealthy periods of sitting.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 11,500 adults who participated in a 21-day exercise challenge organized by National Public Radio in the United States.
Participants took five-minute breaks every 30, 60, or 120 minutes throughout the day.
Then, each night they filled out questionnaires to assess their mental and physical health and their job performance.
Results: Fatigue and low mood decreased, while good mood increased in all groups.
All three tables are also practical and easy to fit into the day.
But when the researchers compared the different approaches, hourly traffic breaks seemed to offer the best balance between feasibility and efficiency.
Despite concerns that being away from work can harm productivity, the researchers say, “our findings challenge this perception.”
Research has shown that short breaks in movement do not affect performance, and in fact, on average, they achieve small but favorable changes.
The authors say that these findings “show who
Movement breaks are practical and effective, supporting their potential as a public health strategy.
Source: British Journal of Sports Medicine
Author Affiliations: Columbia University Medical Center, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, University of Alabama System, National Public Radio, Genius Stable Productions
