Ever need or want an activity to help break-up your work day? Some people go for a cigarette break. Others make the mid-afternoon coffee run.
A new activity has been suggested by one office worker. It’s an activity that’s right up our alley: brushing your teeth at work. Seems unusual at first glance, but it provides a number of benefits besides good hygiene.
It’s time to stop thinking of the worker who brushes his teeth in the bathroom as weird. He or she may just be ahead of the curve. For one, brushing your teeth at work is a great way to beat the afternoon slump.
Research has demonstrated that the average time for energy slumps is roughly 2:16 pm. We have or do all experience this lull at some time at our job. Most reach for the nearest sweet to get that sugar high.
The problem is the sugar jolt is short lived. Enter the toothbrush. Brushing your teeth requires you to leave your desk, to stand, and to perform an action that isn’t work related. All great ways to break-up the work day.
Brushing your teeth is refreshing. Also, if you add in mouthwash, this freshness is like a mini-cold shower. It’s a great strategy to stave off the afternoon slump.
Fresh, clean teeth is an excellent confidence boost. That’s a trait always desired in the work place. There’s also a more practical benefit from brushing at work. Having fresh breath is important in jobs with lots of face-to-face interaction.
This is especially significant if you meet with clients. The last thing a prospective client wants is to a get a whiff of hot, stale breath when deciding whether or not to utilize your services.
Another way the mid-afternoon brush can be beneficial is by limiting snacking. Having a newly scrubbed set of teeth makes you not want to dirty them. This is a nice subtle way to dissuade yourself from reaching for candy or a bag of chips.
Lastly and most obviously, the best benefit of brushing at work is in maintaining good dental hygiene. As we all know, the recommended daily tooth brush regimen is 2 minutes, twice a day.
To be honest, 2 minutes is a long time. Studies have shown the average brush time in the U.S. to be around 45 seconds. By brushing at work, you can add a third round of brushing. This is great if you’re like most people and brush for less than 2 minutes.
Brushing your teeth at work might not catch on with everyone. It is certainly a great habit to adopt. What’s better than not working when you’re at work?
