Whether you’re back in the office or working from home, taking your lunch break should be part of your routine. Many of us skip the break and scarf down a sad desk lunch while working, thinking we’re maximizing our daily output. According to a study from OfficeTeam, 56% of employees who can take an hour for lunch end up taking less than 30-minutes and nearly a third of them say they work while they eat.
Need some proof that lunch breaks are not some luxury you should feel guilty about taking? Listen to these career, wellness, and productivity experts explain the benefits of ditching the deskside dining.
- Skipping won’t earn you extra credit- Certified life coach and wellness expert Caleb Backe points out, “Bosses don’t give bonuses for working through your lunch break.”
- Your brain works better- A break of at least 20 minutes can restore your brain power and “sharpen” you for the rest of the afternoon, according to author Julie Morgenstern.
- It’s a mood booster- Business coach Stacy Caprio explains that getting up and walking around a little increases blood flow and makes you “think more clearly.” And if you can get outside during your break? Even better!
- It decreases distractions- Using your lunch break to answer personal emails, make doctor appointments and grocery lists means you won’t be focused on these personal to-dos while working, says Carley Childress, CEO of Macorva.
- You’ll be a less-stressed parent- “Your lunch break is often the only time that you get to yourself,” explains certified health coach Bianca Riemer. “Rushing it or working through it means your nervous system doesn’t relax, which drains you. You become less efficient and more stressed when you get home to see your kids.”
Source: Working Mother