Why You Need to Prioritize Your Lunch Break

Are you guilty of working right through your lunch break? Yup, me too. When I was working in a corporate office, I felt like I could not take a lunch, because if I did then the entire department would fall apart. My boss pushed me to take that break and when I finally did I discovered the world did not end. In fact, my coworkers not only survived, but my own work thrived. Below are eight reasons Why You Need to Prioritize Your Lunch Break. I’m giving you the permission you need. Just take a lunch!

1. Improve Your Concentration

Working through the lunch hour will only make you more mentally drained in the afternoon. If your concentration dwindles you might forget something important, mistype on a document or misspeak to a client on the phone. However, taking even a 20 minute break has been shown to sustain your energy and concentration. Don’t let your brain get all fuzzy and slow. By taking a lunch break you give your mind enough of a break to improve your concentration for the remainder of the work day.

2. Give Your Eyes a Break

It’s also very important to give your eyes a break. Many of us work on a computer or laptop throughout the day, and prolonged time staring at a screen is not good for your eyes. Staring at a screen for too long can cause your eyes to feel strained, irritated, and dry. It can also cause blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Give your eyes a break and take your lunch!

3. Reset Your Emotions

Does anyone else get overwhelmed by people? Sometimes you just need a break from other humans. Taking a lunch is the perfect opportunity to reset your emotions when students, clients or coworkers are pushing your buttons. On those difficult days, give yourself the opportunity to process and think so you don’t possibly say something you will regret. Take a lunch break!

4. Generate New Ideas

Lunch breaks are also perfect for generating new ideas. I have found my best ideas come to me when I am doing something mindless, like showering or eating or folding laundry. That might be because when I am doing something “mindless” I am giving my brain an opportunity to rest and wander. If you are having difficulties generating new ideas at the office or wherever your work might be, then take a lunch and let the ideas flow.

5. Connect With Coworkers

Some days you might want to take your lunch alone, but lunch breaks are also the ideal opportunity to get to know your coworkers. You don’t even have to work together when you go out. Just chat and get to know one another better. That will not only be good for your soul, but may help the work environment grow stronger.

6. You Get Paid for It

In most cases, you get paid for your lunch. Companies have to give their employees a break, because it is better for their mental and physical health. You get paid to take a lunch, so take it!

7. Improve Your Physical Health

Taking a lunch break can improve your physical health. If you sit in an office chair all day. Neck and back pain can result from hours stuck behind a desk according to The Mayo Clinic. The sad fact is the more you sit, the higher your risk because sitting impedes circulation, and your metabolism. Give your body a little TLC by taking a lunch break.

8. Support Your Mental Health

The final reason Why You Need to Prioritize Your Lunch Break is to support your mental health. Working through your lunch break every day in order to please other people or because you don’t think things will function without you… it isn’t sustainable. You need to take care of your own physical and mental health or you will burn out. Step away from the desk, push aside your work and allow yourself a break. You might be surprised by all the wonderful benefits.

Thank you for reading Why You Need to Prioritize Your Lunch Break. For more tips and tricks on how to live a more simple, hygge-filled life, take a look at our latest content: 

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