Beijing Daily Messenger: Let's Take A Gum Break

You may have heard of a coffee or cigarette break, but have you ever heard of a "gum break"? A chewing gum company, Wrigley China, has been promoting the concept of a "gum break" across 14 Chinese cities since last month.

A recent online survey carried out by SOHU.com shows that 72 percent of white-collar employees say they are under too much pressure at work, and have difficulty finding ways to relax.

Beijing Daily Messenger carries an article saying, gum breaks are becoming more and more popular as a convenient and fast means of relieving stress.

The article quotes a psychological research, indicating that chewing gum can help reduce the feel of anxiety by 16 percent and reduce the feel of pressure by 13 percent.

Some psychologists say results of research show that chewing gum can readjust people's hormone levels, thus to promote mental energy.

While more people are showing interest in trying a gum break, some insist that gum breaks are more psychologically helpful than they are physically beneficial. This group of people argue that exercises such as yoga and swimming are still much more helpful ways of relaxing.