Researcher Touts 'Mind-Body Snack Breaks' to Limit Workplace Injury Risks

UC doctoral candidate says regular cognitive and mindfulness exercises can improve focus and prevent slips, trips, and falls.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A University of Cincinnati researcher is advocating for 'mind-body snack breaks' during busy workdays to help employees limit risk factors for workplace injuries. M.K. Wintz, a UC doctoral candidate, says integrating the mind and body through cognitive and mindfulness exercises can boost 'attentional focus' and improve performance and decision-making, which is especially important as the workforce ages.

Why it matters

Cognitive function is linked to workplace accidents, and research shows that multitasking increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls. As the workforce continues to age, finding ways to reduce these types of injuries will be crucial for employers.

The details

Wintz suggests simple exercises like focusing on breathing, using sensory awareness to notice colors or smells, and taking brief pauses before repetitive tasks. While some workers may feel pressure to be constantly productive, Wintz argues that these short 'mind-body snack breaks' can actually make tasks easier and safer in the long run.

  • The webinar featuring Wintz's presentation was recently conducted by the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of California, Berkeley.

The players

M.K. Wintz

A doctoral candidate at the University of Cincinnati who studies neuroergonomics, the interaction between the brain and behavior in the workplace.

University of Cincinnati

The university where Wintz is a doctoral candidate and where the research on 'mind-body snack breaks' was conducted.

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What they’re saying

“Cognitive function is correlated with workplace accidents. There's a way higher likelihood of slips, trips and falls continuing to get worse as our workforce ages if we don't continue to take intervention on reducing those slips, trips and falls.”

— M.K. Wintz, Doctoral Candidate, University of Cincinnati (safetyandhealthmagazine.com)

“Especially when … you're lifting that same weight over and over. That extra second, well, yes, it adds an extra moment to the lift, but you're more likely to lift more powerfully, more engaged. So, the task is going to be easier and safer.”

— M.K. Wintz, Doctoral Candidate, University of Cincinnati (safetyandhealthmagazine.com)

What’s next

Wintz's research on the benefits of 'mind-body snack breaks' is ongoing, and she plans to continue studying how cognitive and mindfulness exercises can be implemented in the workplace to improve safety and productivity.

The takeaway

As the workforce ages and the risks of multitasking-related injuries increase, simple cognitive and mindfulness exercises could provide a cost-effective way for employers to help workers stay focused, engaged, and safe on the job.