It’s a common habit to eat lunch at our desks, but this seemingly efficient practice can actually harm your health and productivity. Sitting at your desk for extended periods, especially while consuming food, can expose you to germs and create an unhealthy environment. Moreover, studies indicate that ‘working through’ lunch breaks often leads to decreased effectiveness. It’s time to take back your lunch hour – the benefits will ripple through your personal life and your professional performance.
When you stay glued to your desk, you’re inadvertently programming your mind and body for negativity. Staring at a screen encourages introspection, and if you’re not enjoying your work, that internal dialogue can quickly turn negative. Furthermore, prolonged sitting puts pressure on your body, affecting digestion, joints, and muscles. Even a few minutes of movement every hour can make a significant difference.
Taking a genuine break offers numerous health, psychological, and emotional benefits. It’s not about doing ‘nothing’; rather, it’s about shifting your focus to something different, allowing your mind to refresh and enhancing your effectiveness later. Think about how a problem often seems clearer after you’ve ‘slept on it’ – the same principle applies to work-related issues. Taking a break stimulates different parts of your brain, often leading to those ‘lightbulb’ moments of insight.
Energise your lunch hour: mind, body, and spirit
Here are some actionable tips to help you make the most of your lunch break:
- Connect with colleagues: Once a week, make an effort to have lunch with someone new from the office. Strong workplace relationships are a cornerstone of well-being, leading to significantly lower stress levels in companies where coworkers have good rapport.
- Embrace mindfulness: Dedicate 15 minutes of your lunch break to meditation, mindfulness, or even a guided hypnosis session. These practices are proven to rejuvenate the brain, balance emotions, and unlock creativity. Find a quiet spot away from your desk – perhaps outdoors or in your car – and simply focus on your breath, letting thoughts pass without judgment. This is a simple and effective way to get an instant mental and physical energy boost.
- Eat mindfully: Eating at your desk is detrimental to digestion and can even contribute to weight gain. Our bodies struggle to digest food under stress, and merely glancing at your inbox can induce moderate to high levels of tension. Prioritise eating in a relaxed state. Before you begin, take a few deep breaths, eat slowly, and chew your food thoroughly.
- Financial wellness check-up: Use some of your lunch break to review your finances. Are your energy bills competitive? Could you save more money or optimise your investments and pensions? Financial stress is a major concern, and those who regularly review their finances tend to feel more in control and positive, especially compared to those who spend their breaks on impulse internet shopping!
- Move your body: Consider joining a lunchtime yoga or pilates class. These activities are generally low-sweat, meaning no bad hair or lingering odours in the afternoon! Even a short half-hour session can bring mental balance and contribute to your fitness. Many local instructors offer group sessions at workplaces.
- Take a ’thinking ‘walk: A 15-minute walk at lunchtime can be a great substitute for a later gym workout and can supercharge your brain. Before you set out, pose a ‘How can I…?’ question to yourself, such as ‘How can I best present this proposal?’ or ‘How can I be more effective at work?’ Asking questions while exercising encourages creative thinking and often leads to spontaneous, brilliant ideas. Give it a try and see what insights emerge!
What’s one small change you could make to your lunch break this week to start feeling more refreshed and productive?
