Remember awhile back when I wrote about work productivity going up when people take regular breaks? Well, lunch counts as a break, and according to this NPR article, fewer and fewer people are taking lunch breaks these days–opting instead to stay at their desk and eat while they work.
According to the article, only about one in five people are regularly taking a lunch break. Sitting in the same spot, without moving can significantly lower productivity and creativity. Getting up regularly and getting outside…like outside, outside, not just outside of your office can reset your mind. Strolling around outside for a bit helps to get your creative juices flowing. According to one researcher, “‘mindless work’–which can include tasks like walking – can actually enhance creativity.” Isn’t that so true? I swear, sometimes I will mull over a problem for days with no resolution, and the minute I stop thinking about it and move on, the answer hits me. Maybe that’s why I love gardening so much? I get outside, my mind goes blank, and bam, I solve the world’s problems…now if I could just get someone to listen to my solutions.
Either way, I think we could totally combine getting away from our desks at lunchtime with a stroll and a bite to eat {that we don’t scarf down without chewing}. How about you, do you take a lunch break? Do you come back refreshed?
~Mavis
Sarah says
This is so fascinating to me as I make a point to take a lunch break (outside most days, unless it is really horrid weather) everyday. I have only been in a professional career for a few years and feel like my colleagues look down on taking a lunch break (much less outside!).
Kim says
I generally do not take a lunch break as it is too difficult to re-establish an effective and efficient work routine after being outside. I’d rather work through lunch and get out of the office sooner.
Julie C says
Absolutely! I’m blessed with a job 1.3 miles from my home and with a very flexible schedule. Most days I take a full hour for lunch and have time to go home, fix my lunch and eat it. Then I have time to watch a little Netflix, maybe throw some laundry in the washer/dryer, put something in the crockpot for dinner, or take a walk. I’ve even been known to take a short nap. Of course there are days that I want/need to leave work early, so I either take a short lunch or eat at my desk, but I try to keep those to a minimum.
However, in the past I have had jobs that disliked so much that I would have gladly given up my lunch break if it meant I could get out of the place a little earlier.
Stacey says
I take my lunch break every day. It’s only for 1/2 hour, which is enough to get up, stretch my legs, and eat my lunch. I work in a call center, and we are encouraged to take our lunch breaks. I also take a mid-morning break for a few minutes, and sometimes an afternoon break. I work in a call center, so I’m sitting at my desk almost the entire day. It’s helpful to move around a bit and give my mind a break from analyzing information on the computer screens.
beth says
I get a 30 minute break and it is my only opportunity to sit during the work day. It feels so good just to sit. Many people make audible groaning noises when they finally get to slump in to a chair half way through the busy day. It takes a lot of effort to stand up again on the wild and stressful days which are mos of the days.
Ellen in Clackamas says
We are allotted 2 15 min breaks (which I don’t usually take since I don’t smoke anymore) and a half hour lunch. I do stay at my desk to eat but try to read the newspaper and do word puzzles instead of answering phone or e-mails. Since sitting all day has been shown to be very harmful to your health I have tried to start standing up and stretching or walking down the hallway for a minute or two every hour. I kept forgetting to do it though so now I have the timer on my computer set to remind me! I’m not sure going outside would be a good option though. Especially days like today when the sun is shining and it is warm and Spring Fever has hit. Might just keep going and get on the bus!!!!