A coffee break can be more than a quick sip between work or meetings. It can be revitalizing. But that depends on how you spend those few minutes.
Do you usually sip coffee while glancing at your phone? Or perhaps responding to emails? Here are a few simple ways to make your next coffee break more enjoyable.
Take your break away from your desk
If you work at a desk, don’t drink coffee in the same spot you spend the majority of your day. Take the opportunity to change your work environment for a bit. Go to a break area, a café table, or another quiet place.
This creates physical distance from your work. A change of scenery can make the break more relaxing.
Pair coffee with a sweet treat
Sweet treats and coffee? The perfect combination! It could be a fresh croissant from your favorite bakery. Or perhaps a slice of that cheesecake that you love most. They are easy additions to your break.
However, do not automatically order the same thing every day. Go with your mood.
Use nice ware
Utensils matter. They impact how you perceive a meal or beverage. You can still make the experience feel more intentional by using nice ware. As opposed to disposable containers.
You don’t need fancy plates and cups either; a clean, pretty mug will do. It could also be as simple as a quirky mug.
Leave screens behind
When you spend your coffee break reading your social media and replying to messages, it’s really not a coffee break anymore. Take a few minutes and step away from your screen. It could be your phone and your computer. When no other screen is demanding your attention, you can intentionally get more into your drink, meal, and surroundings.
Engage your senses
While at it, pay attention to how warm your cup is, how the coffee smells, how your food feels, and so forth. Pay attention to taste when sipping, instead of drinking automatically while at work. An everyday coffee ritual can become more interesting when you are mindful.
Match the food to the drink
Not all foods will taste the same with every kind of coffee. A rich chocolate pastry can match a stronger coffee. A lighter pastry can go with a milder or milk coffee.
Experiment with various combinations. This will help you find what you love most.
Move your body
Coffee break is also a time for movement. So, get up. Stretch your shoulders or walk around before sitting back down to work. If you have time, go outside. Get a few minutes of the sun and fresh air.
Do something different occasionally
Routines are useful. But having the same coffee and meal each day can get repetitive. Sometimes have a different coffee or pastry. A new experience introduces some variety into the day-to-day grind.
The takeaway
It is crucial to pause a bit throughout your day. Give yourself enough time to truly appreciate the break, pick a drink you like, and add something to suit your appetite. These little adjustments can turn a routine coffee break into an enjoyable ‘’me time.’’
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