Some of my regular readers already know that I work from home. Aside from being a wife, mom and mini-zoo keeper I am also a blogger (of course), freelance writer & photographer and I have my own business. When I’m not running around cleaning, cooking, walking the dog or playing with my kids, I can usually be found at my desk.
I have two computers that are pretty much both on at any given time. My lap top more so then the desk top. I use my lap top for my blogging, writing and keeping up with family and friends. My desk top is my dedicated work computer which houses all my graphics and photos that I work with. There are times I even have the iPad on at the same time because of my work.
Let me tell you, staring at computer screens all day is not the best thing for anyone. I’m OK in the morning for the most part but after staring at the computers and working all morning long and into the afternoon there is something that I look forward to – a break!
Usually around 3 PM (give or take) I am ready for a break. I just need to step away from the computer, do some stretching exercises, grab a snack and something to drink, and just distance myself from my work.
When I am ready for a break I like to do some easy stretching exercises to release the tension and relax my muscles after being hunched over a computer keyboard all morning.
The first thing I like to do is stretch out my fingers and hands. There is really no scientific method to this. All I do is put both hands out in front of my and spread my fingers apart as wide as I can for a few seconds. Then I make a fist then go right back to stretching my fingers out. I like to mix it up by making my fingers do a “wave” (like what you’d see at a stadium). I even like to twist my wrists back and forth too. You can do all of these while still seated.
The next thing I like to do is roll my head around to loosen up my neck. While seated simply let your head drop resting your chin on your body. Wait in that position for a few seconds then slowly move your head to your right shoulder, letting it rest on your shoulder. After a few second look straight up at the ceiling, letting the back of your head rest on your body. Continue on to your left shoulder the same way you did your right shoulder. Rotate your head around like this for a minute or two.
When you are hunched over a desk all day its a good idea to stretch your shoulders out. I find it best to stand for this but you can also do it while seated. Raise your shoulders up as high as you can. Hold for a few seconds then let them drop to your side. Repeat this process several times.
Another thing I like to do that my Mom used to do all the time is extend my arms out to my sides as far as they can go (so that you look like you are forming the letter “T”). Next I slowly move my arms around and around in a circular motion. I do this for a few seconds too. This can be done standing up or sitting.
Lastly I like to stretch out my torso. This is easy to do. All you need to do is twist your body side to side. Start with your left (or right) shoulder. Try and twist it as far as you can towards the opposite side of your body. Once you have gone as far as you can hold for a second or two, release (go back to your shoulders in their normal positions) then do the same thing with the other shoulder.
There are several resources online that give you detailed instructions on how to do exercises at your desk (standing or sitting). Here are a few to get you started.
– http://www.shelterpub.com/_fitness/_desk_stretches/desk_stretches.pdf
– http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/desk-stretches.php.
After I have stretched my body out a bit the next thing I usually do is take our dog Espn (“Es-pin”) for a walk. Depending on how I feel I might lap him around part of our condo complex twice. At the very least I do it once. I’m not sure how far I actually walk (I should use a Pedometer). I would have to guess at least a 1/2 mile. I know that doesn’t sound like much but our condo complex is built on a steep hill so there is a lot of walking up and down slopes.
When I get back from our walk I like to take time to tidy up our home. With two children and five pets there is always something that needs to be cleaned up whether its the litter box or just putting away the breakfast dishes. I usually do the bulk of the cleaning early in the morning.
Here is a video I made where I talk about my typical afternoon break. I feel like such a dork when I am talking on video! I also want to apologize for the mess and the Halloween decorations.
Once I have finished with that its time for a snack break. Now that my husband works a regular 9-5 job he doesn’t get home from work until closer to 6 PM. We used to eat dinner at 5 PM because he was home by 3:30. Before his new hours I was OK with that stretch between lunch and dinner. Now that I have to wait an extra hour I find that I need a little something during that stretch of time to hold me over until dinner.
I ♥ coffee and depending on whether or not I need a pick-me-up (aka caffeine) I might make a cup of coffee, espresso, latte or cappuccino. This is NOT my snack but more so something to drink. Most of the time I just reach for a glass of ice cold water. I only have a caffeinated beverage if I am feeling extra sluggish or overly tired (I suffer from insomnia a lot).
For my snack I like to reach for baby carrots, cucumber slices or whatever fruit we have on hand (usually apples, pears and bananas).
Another great snack idea is something that is high in fiber and whole grains. Not only do foods rich in fiber and whole grains make you feel more full and satisfied, they are also vital for optimum health. Eating foods high in fiber and whole grains may help reduce the risk for certain chronic diseases and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight. Fiber also helps support heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and diabetes.
A great snack option that is both high in fiber (35% of your daily recommended allowance) and whole grains is the FiberPlus Antioxidant bars. OH MY! Have you tried them? They are oh-so-good! What impresses me the most about the Kelloggs FiberPlus Antioxidant bars is that they are so rich, ooey, gooey and delicious that you don’t even realize that they are an excellent source of fiber and made with whole grains.
To be honest with you the FiberPlus Antioxidant bars taste like you are eating a candy bar or a cookie. They are rich and satisfying. Pair it with a glass of skim milk or water and you have an excellent snack option to help you make it through that long stretch between lunch and dinner. You won’t crave anything else because the bars have such a delicious sweetness to them that you shouldn’t feel the urge to grab for some cookies or candy.
Eating junk foods like candy, chips and cookies might taste good for those few moments you are eating them but after that you are left with nothing. They do not have any nutritional value to them whatsoever. If you are looking for something tasty, sweet and satisfying it only makes sense to grab for a FiberPlus Antioxidant bar. Just one bar is 35% of your required fiber intake and they are rich in antioxidant vitamins C and E and provide 25 grams of whole grains per serving. And did I mention they taste out of this world yummy? My favorite is the Dark Chocolate Almond. The Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Peanut Butter bars are just as tasty too.
Kelloggs is giving away a free box of FiberPlus Antioxidant bars every Friday until the end of November. All you need to do is follow them on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LadyFibarista. The first 25 people to tweet them on Friday with the hashtag #FiberFriday will win a free box of FiberPlus Antioxident bars. You can real all the rules here, http://web.mediacdt.com/docs/LadyFibaristaTermsConditions.pdf.
To learn more about FiberPlus Antioxidant bars please visit www.KelloggsFiberPlus.com.
Kelloggs would like to awards twenty five (yes – 25!) lucky readers with a coupon good for a free box of FiberPlus Antioxidant bars ($3.49 retail value). Thanks Kelloggs!
Entering is a bit different for this giveaway then others I do here on She Scribes. You can choose either entry method.
1 – Leave me a comment and tell me how you spend YOUR 3 PM break?
2 – Describe how you spend your 3 PM break on Twitter. You MUST include me in the tweet (@She_Scribes) and the hashtag #3PMStretch in order to qualify using this method. Failure to include me andthe hashtag will make the tweet an invalid entry.
You are only allowed ONE entry (either method) per person. Extra entries will be disqualified.
This giveaway is open to US residents only (sorry) and you must be over 18 to enter.
The winners will all be chosen at random using a random number generator on October 24, 2010. All winners will be notified via e-mail and need to reply with a name and mailing address (no PO Box) within 3 days or a new winner will be chosen.
For more information about the rules & regulations you can view them here, http://www.contest-rules-regulations.com/SHESCRIBES_3PMStretch_Final%20Rules.pdf.
Other great giveaways are found on the right side bar under “Win It”.
Kimberly
*I received free sample products and a Flip video camera free to do this review. There was no other compensation. The opinions expressed are my own. Kelloggs will be supplying the winning coupons.
Ericka T says
I spend my 3 PM break by getting something to eat. I normally watch a 30 minute comedy I have waiting on the DVR. Since it is on the DVR, it only lasts about 20 minutes. After that I’m mentally recharged and physically ready to go back to the computer.
Amy V says
I spend my 3 pm break doing some yoga stretches in our break room
Sandra K321 says
My 3 PM break is usually a cup of tea,and a little snack (has to be crunchy) while checking out what’s interesting on the HGTV channel.
Kimberly says
I have a 15 minute yoga session that I need to take a break to do everyday. It energizes me and enables me to make it through the evening. 🙂
Alicia Webster says
I spend my 3 pm break sitting on the couch and reading a chapter of my library book.
Sandy says
lately getting up and walking the dog and moving somehow- I am beg to like the cruddier days because I do not have to deal with everyone else- just me and my doggie
Amber G says
I do a little yoga during my 3 pm break – or at least I try to!
mmbear says
I don’t work but have RA & Fibromyalgia along with 2 knee replacements so you will find me on my stationary bike. I try to go at least 40 minutes if I can. The least I will allow is 30 minutes. It really all depends on my energy level and if the Fibromyalgia is kicking in.
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
debp says
I usually sit down for a few minutes with a book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Virginia from Lady V dZine says
My 3 p.m. break (which technically starts at 2:30 and goes to 3:30) is spent madly trying to compose posts while my kiddos sleep!
Kelly L says
I take my dogs outside for a walk or to play. Thanks!
Stephanie V. says
wish it was doing something for myself since I am fighting cancer but it is always taking care of my toddler
tvollowitz at aol dot com
shelly says
I try to take a quick walk to recharge and reenergize.
Jessica says
I spend my break with coffee and gossip magazines
Janet F says
I like a cup of tea or hot chocolate for my 3 PM break .
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
marci says
i spend my 3p.m. break by grabbing a quick snack, stretching my legs and enjoying the last few minutes of quiet before the family gets home from work & school.
marci
tristatecruisers at yahoo dot com
Stephanie says
What 3 p.m. break? I am usually hungry, so I have a snack and try to get some water. In reality, I’d like to take a nap, but I work in an office, so I can’t.
Patti Hess says
I usually move around on my 3:00 pm break
pattifritz2000 at yahoo dot com
thanks for the chance
barb g says
Wow 25 winners! That means I have a really good chance, I like it! Thanks Kellogg’s & to you! I’ve never tried these bars yet. My 3 o’clock break is usually a fresh orange. I look forward to it every day but bars would be nice too. barb g. directorylanesuperstore(AT)gmail.com
Rebecca Williams says
I spend my 3pm break by watching “days of our lives” on dvr and drinking a coke! My break is the only one I got all day.
Kristie says
Usually have a snack while doing something. 🙂
Beth C says
At 3:00 p.m. I am usually checking my email and having a snack.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
deb c says
I spend my 3 pm break watching General Hospital and having an apple or some grapes.
Marci says
I spend my 3pm break by sitting down and reading a book for 10 minutes.
Jenn Short says
I work at home, so I’ll often throw something in the crock pot about 3 pm. Doing a chore and a break at the same time!
Melanie says
As a blogger, I usually take about 30 minutes to an hour break. It usually includes watching Food Network (my fave) and having a bowl of popcorn as an afternoon snack. It doesn’t ruin my supper appetite and I’m such a popcorn freak! But a fiber bar would be great too!
Bonnie P says
I take my break by sitting on the front porch and watching the cars on Main Street go by. If it is cold, I stand and look out the window
bepoia(at)hotmail(dot)com
phxbne says
a cup of hot tea and reading some blogs!
mmbear says
1st tweet today:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27393641661
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
momznite says
You’ll find me with a book in one hand and a mug of tea in the other.
momznite_at_yahoo_daught_com
angie says
I work at a place that a break is never at a certain time. So if I get a moment, I take a breath and have some caffeine.
Courtney says
My 3pm break is sitting on the porch, just relaxing.
Cari S. says
Sadly – my break consists of going to smoke a cigarette!
carissa.sutton(at)gmail.com
Monique Rizzo says
a 20 minute power nap and some hot green tea.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill@comcast.net
Keyomi says
hey, i take my 3pm break in the form of going out to stretch a little and get my mail 🙂 that way i get some sunshine as well as can say hi to ppl who walk by with their kids and strollers! 🙂
plus i get my imp mail and magazines in the house! 🙂
mmbear says
1st tweet today:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27483936416
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
mmbear says
#36 tweet has wrong link. The correct link is:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27484045974
(sorry about that)
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
Toni says
I usually spend my 3pm break on the computer! It just is my way of relaxing.
chris says
a quick walk
Beeb Ashcroft says
I like to get up and make myself a cup of coffee! Thank you for the giveaway!
Lori S says
I normally get up, stretch, go the restroom, etc.
Thanks!
mmbear says
1st tweet of day:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27593715041
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
Diane says
around 3pm I usually take a walk to the vending machine at work and sit down! I work three 12 hour shifts a week and have to stand for the majority of my day!
mmbear says
1st tweet of day:
twitter.com/mmbear5/s7677206462
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
linda lansford says
I drink a soda at 3pm
Elizabeth says
I would spend it taking a Nice L O N G nap 😉
thanks
mmbear says
1st tweet of day:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27717958507
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
Jennifer says
I spend my 3pm break throwing a ball for the dog to catch in the backyard. I walk her every morning, then she sleeps ’till early afternoon but is rarin’ to go again by 3:00. So I try to tire her out w/a game of catch.
mmbear says
2nd tweet:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27791788838
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
mmbear says
3rd tweet:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27800534331
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
joni says
Actually my break is at 3 AM since I work the graveyard shift. If the weather is nice I go and sit by the river.
pontowd says
My 3pm break is usually a cup of coffee and a snack.. getting ready for my kids to come home from school
Lindley A says
I am a Stay-At-Home Mom so I take my breaks whenever I can get them, but in the afternoons I especially like a few cookies and a tall glass of milk.
Nancy says
I try to spend my 3 PM break with a healthy snack like seasonal fresh fruit.
mmbear says
1st week of day:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27876488740
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
mmbear says
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/27985245615
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
kelly w. says
I spend my 3 PM break by taking a brisk 15 minute walk to get the blood pumping again!
Renee G says
I usually spend my 3 pm break grabbing a quick cup of hot tea.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
Jessica H. says
I like to take my breaks catching up with my friends at work, grabbing a cup of coffee, or even just stretching my legs. Any chance I get to get out of my desk I take it! I hate being confined! lol
Thank you for the wonderful giveaway!
girlygirlugh at gmail dot com
Michelle C says
I like to spend my break drinking coffee and playing on the internet! Thanks for the chance to win!
mrsmchappell at gmail dot com
mmbear says
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/28370697821
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
Katie R. says
I spend my 3pm break at the gym working out.
Erica C. says
I usually try to take time to do a crossword puzzle.
Katie S. says
I like to get up, stretch my legs, and take a short stroll thru the office to make sure everything is going good and everyone is doing well. Bathroom, water cooler, then back to my desk for 2 more hours of solitare… 🙂
Ed Nemmers says
I am trying to do the daily crossword puzzle!
Jammie says
I spend my 3pm break eating an orange.
Corinne Kurzmann says
I usually spend my break outside bird watching, especially this time of year!
Corinne
ckurzmann@yahoo.com
mmbear says
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/28456236929
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
Jane says
Well, I don’t get a 3 PM break during the week, but that is the perfect break time from weekend chores. I usually sit down on the couch with a snack and a book for a well-deserved rest.
sarah says
I usually grab a sugary snack for 3pm…not a good idea, I know.
cass says
Reaching for some kind of snack or goodie like cake or cookies
ky2here says
I really don’t get a 3P snack break urge however if I did, I would grab a piece of fruit.
ky2here at msn dot com
gnwg says
I like to sit down and enjoy a snack and my last cup of coffee for the day.
mmbear says
1st tweet today:
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/28537718399
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
susan says
On my 3pm break I love to just go outside for some air, and get awa from my desk! suelee1998 @ gmail.com
Rosey says
I get up and away from the work. Just walk around and get myself rejuvenated to come back and get things done. And it helps tremendously.
Tim says
I spend my 3pm break recovering from the work day, having a snack, reading a bit, and plotting out the rest of my day/evening.
AMD says
I also take a mid-afternoon break. I like to totally disconnect from whatever I’m doing, and like you, I like to include exercise. I work mostly from home, so I’ll leave my office, turn on the TV, move the coffee table and do some calisthenics while watching daytime TV. I do push ups, leg lifts, back stretches, and sit ups. I refill my water bottle and grab a little munchie before heading back to work.
I’m a big of fan of the Fiberplus bars, especially for breakfast since the full-feeling they give lasts through lunch. My favorite is the dark chocolate.
btownmeggy at hotmail dot com
Kelley C says
I spend my 3pm break driving home from school. I’m a teacher and I finally finish my day at that time. 🙂
pandahugger(at)gmail(dot)com
julia says
putting my feet up and closing my eyes
Chrysa says
I take a walk around the block.
Pat says
I eat Kellogg’s Antioxidant bars.
Geri says
I spend my 3 pm break relaxing as much as I can…
Sand says
I spend it finishing up the paperwork for the day and preparing for the next day.
Gianna says
I don’t get a 3pm break, with all these kids I sure could use one though!
Donna K says
I like to take a nap. 🙂
Swtlilchick says
I usually take a quick snack of fruit or pudding and then walk a
bit to keep me going
Jessica says
I spend my 3 pm break by walking round the block. I put my son in is stroller or wagon and do a lap. It makes him sleepy and gets me energized.
Veronica Garrett says
I spend my 3 pm break by having a snack and a drink.
LuckyTJG says
I spend my 3:00 pm break taking a nice walk to boost my energy.
cher says
My sons are usually waking up from their naps and we make a snack and then start dinner.
mmbear says
twitter.com/mmbear5/status/28640361050
mmbear_us@yahoo.com
elle says
I go outside for some fresh air.
thanks!