Simple Ways to Combat Office Fatigue, According to Research

Most people around the world work in offices, spending long hours at their desks, during which many experience unexpected fatigue. However, a new study reveals that two simple strategies can help alleviate this fatigue during office hours.

A joint study by Wake Forest University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and Northwestern University found that taking short breaks and receiving support from colleagues can significantly help reduce feelings of fatigue.

The research involved 44 participants who provided details about their office tasks, followed by a clinical trial of 179 participants to analyze the effects of taking breaks during work hours and the impact of support from colleagues. The results showed that taking short breaks during office hours helped combat fatigue, improved sleep quality and duration, and led to more physical energy the next day.

Researchers highlighted that office workers often experience fatigue due to job pressures, long working hours, and heavy workloads. In the long term, these factors can contribute to burnout, a severe form of fatigue. The study suggests that taking brief breaks, such as reading a book or having a tea break, can help improve the situation.

Additionally, a previous study from France’s Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, published in August 2022, found that maintaining mental focus on a task for long periods triggers brain changes that contribute to physical fatigue. The harder the mental task, the greater the feeling of fatigue. The research indicated that taking breaks during the day helps prevent this issue, allowing workers to avoid exhaustion.

Another study pointed out that people who sit for long periods at work often forget to drink water, leading to dehydration, which is a major contributor to fatigue. Moreover, poor sitting posture—such as slouching—puts added pressure on the spine, neck, and back, which can also lead to feelings of tiredness.

In conclusion, short breaks, staying hydrated, and maintaining good posture are key factors in reducing office-related fatigue.