Knitting Is The New Yoga

A recent article in the Daily Express talks about how one company in the UK has organized a new initiative – knitting at lunch time – to help reduce stress.

The article reports "Health officials have concluded that knitting is an ideal way to combat work stress. Under a new initiative, workers at NHS Highland have been bonding over balls of wool at lunch, instead of grabbing a rushed sandwich at their desk. Organiser Fiona Clarke, health promotion specialist at NHS Highland, described knitting as "the new yoga". She said: "Every knitter knows it is good for you because it really calms you down and de-stresses.""

Many people these days feel that taking a break is a waste of time. Perhaps they feel that there is so much work to do, that it just won't get done if they stop for even 1/2 hour. However, working without breaks can leave people feeling tired and prone to making mistakes.

Personally, I have come to realize over the years that I need breaks. Not only do I feel refreshed, but I feel more focused and I'm able to concentrate on the task at hand. So, instead of breaks delaying me, they actually help me to be more productive.

Sometimes my breaks mean working on some repetitive tasks that don't require much thinking (it feels really good to cross them off my to do list), but other times it means going for a walk, knitting or chatting with a friend for a little bit. I used to feel guilty about this, but now I realize that I'm a much better person and more productive because I take breaks.

What do you like to do on your break time?