How taking a ‘micro mood break’ will transform your busy workday

Have you ever had one of those days at work where you feel like you woke up on the wrong side of the bed or life’s throwing a few too many lemons your way? We’ve all been there – it’s just part of being human.

But have you ever stopped to think about how your mood can pull the strings in your work life? Turns out, it’s a bigger deal than you might realise.

Your mood isn’t just a behind-the-scenes player; it’s the director, influencing your productivity, how you interact with colleagues, and whether your job feels like a breeze or an uphill battle.

Flashback to 15 years ago, and there I was, wrestling with postnatal depression. I couldn’t muster the energy to do the type of exercise that once made me happy.

Stuck in a pit of despair, guilt, and shame, I needed a lifeline. The turning point? A visit to my doctor, who compared taking care of yourself to putting on that aeroplane oxygen mask before helping others.

Inspired by this, I committed to a mere two minutes a day for movement – something I call my ‘micro mood breaks’. Little did I know, these tiny moments would spark a major turnaround, essentially saving my life.

Micro mood breaks: A game-changer for real life

Micro mood breaks aren’t rocket science. They’re just intentional moments of joy we sneak into our workdays.

There’s no need for grand gestures – just a few minutes of body movement will do. The key is to choose movements that not only make you happy but also break the cycle of negative vibes.

As you toss these micro moves into your regular work chaos, you’ll find happiness in the smallest pockets of time. It’s like a ripple effect that spreads positive energy into both your work and personal life.

So, let’s dig into why these mini breaks are worth your time.

10 reasons to get on the ‘micro mood break’ train:

1. It’s an instant mood lift. These little moves trigger a rush of feel-good chemicals, including serotonin, endorphins and endocannabinoids (your body’s very own chill pills), turning a gloomy day into a brighter one.
2. Stress relief. They’re your secret weapon against work stress, helping you shake off tension and get a breather from job pressures.
3. Energy boost. Feeling like a zombie at work? These moves pump up your energy levels, waking up your brain for better focus.
4. Mindfulness in action. It’s like a stealthy way to be present in the moment, letting go of distractions and getting your head back in the game.
5. Break from monotony. When work gets too monotonous, these moves inject a burst of fun, making the daily grind a bit more exciting.
6. Emotional resilience. They’re like your secret weapon for handling stress – making you tough, in a good way.
7. Clarity and calm. Taking a short break for these moves is like hitting pause on an emotional storm. Suddenly, things feel more manageable.
8. Fun and connection. Micro mood breaks aren’t just about solo performances; they’re your backstage pass to connect with colleagues. Picture starting your next Zoom meeting with a dash of fun and showing off your best dance moves.
9. It maintains focus and productivity. Breaks from seriousness keep your mind fresh, making it easier to smash through tasks and stay productive.
10. It allows you to enjoy the work journey. Life’s not just about the destination – these micro moves help you savour the journey, finding joy in the everyday.

But here’s the real magic – these micro mood breaks aren’t just about feeling good for a minute. They’re about building up emotional strength, staying positive, and rediscovering the joy in what you do.

When work throws its worst at you, these breaks become your sanctuary for shaking it off and thriving.

Some down-to-earth micro mood break ideas

• Shake it off: It’s like your mini dance party. Step away, shake it off, and let the good vibes roll.
• Posture check: Roll those shoulders back and straighten up – it’s your body’s way of telling your brain it’s time to crush it.
• Take a quick walk: Step out for a moment, let some fresh air hit your face, and let your thoughts roam free. It’s a game-changer.

Incorporating these micro mood breaks isn’t just a small tweak to your routine – it’s a game-changer for boosting overall wellbeing, productivity, and job satisfaction.

By intentionally carving out these moments for movement in your day, you’re giving yourself the power to handle challenges with a grin, stay positive, and find joy anew.

Trust in the magic of these mini breaks – they’re not just a pit stop, they’re an investment in a happier and more fulfilling life.