You have back-to-back meetings, and your inbox is overflowing. You have no option but to grab your lunch and keep working at your desk. Yep, we’ve all been there, but there is a downside.
Consistently eating at your desk may contribute to poor physical and mental health over the long-term.
In this article, we provide 7 compelling reasons to step away from your workspace and take the time to eat your meals in a more mindful manner.
REASON #1: YOU EAT MORE WHEN YOU’RE NOT MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU’RE DOING
Simply staring at your screen whilst consuming your lunch deprives you of enjoying your food and results in greater calorie intake. It’s much better to concentrate on the experience of eating by focussing on the taste of your food, chewing slowly and listening to your body.
REASON #2: YOU’RE MORE PRODUCTIVE WHEN YOU RETURN TO YOUR DESK
By stepping away to eat, you give yourself a clean mental break from your work. Shifting your focus to something else is recharging for the mind and makes you even more productive when you return to work.
REASON #3: YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SOCIALISE WITH OTHERS AND BUILD MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS
Lunch breaks are a great time to chat with your colleagues in a more social environment. This interaction is key to building connection, trust as well as improved team and organisational performance.
REASON #4: IT’S GOOD FOR YOUR VISION
Looking at a screen for extended periods can result in eye fatigue, dry and irritated eyes, nearsightedness, and loss of focus flexibility. Stepping away from your screen to have lunch gives your eyes a much-needed break. TIP: Consider applying the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain. Look away from your computer screen at an object that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes throughout your workday.
REASON #5: IT REDUCES FUTURE HEALTH PROBLEMS
Sitting is dangerous for your health and increases the risk of chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Building more movement into your day is critical for your health, and your lunchbreak can be an effective way to do this. Use this time to walk, stretch and loosen your muscles. By moving around, you’re also pumping more blood and oxygen around your body and brain, reducing brain fog. If possible, we suggest eating your lunch outside to increase your vitamin D. Fresh air and a relaxed setting can also aid in optimal digestion.
REASON #6: IT IMPROVES YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Too much sitting can be detrimental to your mental health. We recommend scheduling time in your diary for a lunchbreak, whether it’s 15 minutes or one hour. We promise you’ll feel better for it. In addition, constantly working and starring at your computer screen can lead to higher levels of burnout and fatigue, leading to poor mental health.
REASON #7: IT INCREASES YOUR CREATIVITY AND NEW IDEAS
Too much sitting can be detrimental to your mental health. We recommend scheduling time in your diary for a lunchbreak, whether it’s 15 minutes or one hour. We promise you’ll feel better for it. In addition, constantly working and starring at your computer screen can lead to higher levels of burnout and fatigue, leading to poor mental health.
LET THEM EAT – YOUR LUNCH LIFESAVER
You now have the perfect excuse to step away from your desk – it’s our new Let Them Eat Click & Collect service!
Now you can order your favourite lunch online and pick it up from your nearest Let Them Eat store. It’s that easy! Not only do you get to enjoy our mouth-watering, healthy produce, but you’ll also increase your movement and step count on the way to pick it up – it’s a win-win!
