But more importantly, have fun! In the business world, breaks are crucial in keeping one focused and sane amidst the competitive stressors of everyday deadlines and deliverables. These breaks allow one to take a necessary time-out, which helps manage stress, reduce anxiety, and combat burnout.
At PhiloWilke, our goal is to create an environment that offers respite from the high demands of a deadline-centric profession. Based upon three of our core values; Never Stop Learning, Create Extraordinary Outcomes, and Delight in the Journey – we have implemented daily and weekly break sessions for our team to participate in daily stretch, bi-weekly games, and sketch nights. These activities build upon a few fundamental principles for mental well-being.
In this regard, brain breaks are intervals designed to give a break to the brain from continuous work. It is especially required when our minds feel blank and incapable of finding solutions. These breaks rejuvenate the brain to work better amidst continuous workplace stress and allow fresh ideas to culminate.
Fun brain breaks are helpful in many other aspects as well. These include reducing stress and frustration, facilitating a crucial time-out, and increasing attention and productivity. Playing card games or board games can be fun to socialize and pass the time.
Card games are great for relieving stress, improving cognitive skills, and providing socialization in a fun and safe environment. We hope you get some well-deserved downtime with your family and friends during this holiday season. We hope you enjoy one of our favorite pastimes, Game Night, with this new deck of cards and trivia set.

Here are some of our Game Night Recommendations:

Brain Break Activity 1: Meditate
Set aside a moment for personal reflection. Embrace mindfulness in the workplace by incorporating meditation techniques. Engaging in deep breathing fosters self-awareness and emotional balance, diminishing fatigue and negativity. Stay present and attuned to your surroundings.
Game Suggestion: Solitaire
Solitaire is a classic single-player card game played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The goal is to organize the cards into four stacks or foundations, each arranged by suit and in ascending order. Players move cards between seven tableau columns, following specific rules, to uncover hidden cards and build organized sequences. The game requires strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to complete the foundations and win. Solitaire is widely popular and comes in various versions, with the Windows version being particularly well-known.

Brain Break Activity 2: Socialize
Engaging in the company of friends not only provides mental stimulation but also contributes to the preservation of cognitive function. According to a study, individuals who have more regular social interactions are less prone to cognitive decline and elevated stress levels.
Game Suggestion: Texas Hold’ em
Texas Hold’em is a popular variation of the standard card game of poker. It is widely played in casinos and home games and is the version of poker used in major poker tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Brain Break Activity 3: Engaging Hobbies
Engaging in a new pastime can provide mental stimulation and challenge the brain in novel ways. Pursuits that involve coordination or dexterity can stimulate and enhance one’s motor skills.
Game Suggestion: Crazy 8’s
Crazy Eights is a simple and fun game that allows for strategic thinking and a bit of unpredictability, especially with the wild Eight cards. Different regions and players may have variations in the rules, making it a flexible and adaptable game.

Brain Break Activity 4: Create Art
To take a break from work, engaging in artistic activities can serve as an excellent option. Doodling is a particularly wonderful example. Encourage your team to jot down spontaneous sketches or compose poems, allowing their thoughts to roam freely. At Philowilke, we organize Sketch Nights to promote relaxation and the creation of enjoyable artwork and visuals.
Game Suggestion: Gin Rummy
Rummy is a group of matching-card games that share the goal of forming sets or runs of cards. The basic objective in most variations of Rummy is to build melds, which consist of sets, three or four of a kind of the same rank, or runs, three or more cards in sequence of the same suit. The game is typically played with the standard 52-card deck.

Brain Break Activity 5: Laugh Out Loud
As the proverb goes, laughter is a powerful remedy, and there’s merit in this statement. Laughter reduces stress hormones, alleviates physical anxiety, eases muscle tension, and more.
Game Suggestion: Spades
Spades is known for its strategic elements, as players must not only consider the cards in their hands but also anticipate the actions of their opponents based on the cards played during the tricks. It’s a popular game in both casual and competitive settings.

Brain Break Activity 6: Stretch Break
Some think of stretching only in the context of yoga, but it is a vital part of any exercise routine. Additionally, stretching alone can improve your health, mood, and mental well-being. Here at Philowilke, we have optional short stretch breaks together in the afternoon to help employees stretch out any kinks or sleepy limbs from sitting for long periods.
Game Suggestion: Euchre
Euchre has several variations, and local house rules may apply. The game is known for its strategic elements, particularly in the bidding phase, where players must assess the strength of their hands and make decisions about whether to declare a trump suit.

Brain Break Activity 7:  Take a Walk
Walking is a simple yet effective way to relieve stress. The rhythmic movement, coupled with fresh air and exposure to nature, triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. This physical activity also provides a mental break, allowing for introspection and a temporary escape from stressors, contributing to an overall sense of relaxation and well-being.
Game Suggestion: War
War is a game of chance with no strategy involved, making it easy for players of all ages to participate. While it might not have the complexity of other card games, its simplicity and quick pace can make it an entertaining and lighthearted activity.

Brain Break Activity 8: Mental Exercises
Engaging in mental exercises, such as puzzles, games, and learning activities, offers numerous benefits. These exercises enhance cognitive function, improve memory, and sharpen problem-solving skills. Regular mental stimulation has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and may contribute to overall brain health, promoting a sharper and more resilient mind.

Flip through the Book of Play below to check out the Brain Break Activities’ and learn how to play some of our favorite pastimes: