In the hustle and bustle of the workday, it’s easy to overlook the importance of our lunch breaks.
Many of us opt to stay glued (pardon the pun) to our desks, munching on a sandwich while catching up on emails or scrolling through LinkedIn.
However, there’s immense value in using your lunch break effectively, and one simple yet powerful way to do so is by taking a walk.
We’ve explored some of the benefits of a lunch time stroll.
Increases mental well-being:
The benefits of walking extend beyond physical health; they also have a huge impact on our mental well-being.
Getting out in the sun, or perhaps fresh air in England’s case, can boost your mood and reduce the feelings of stress or anxiety – gearing you up for the second half of the day.
Increases productivity:
Contrary to what some may believe, taking a break from work doesn’t negatively impact productivity – it can actually enhance it.
Even a 10 minute stroll has been proven to boost energy and motivation, allowing you to crack on with your afternoon tasks.
Team-building benefits:
Walking during lunch breaks gives you the chance to socialise with your colleagues outside of a work setting.
You can strike up conversations, get to know them further and motivate each other for the rest of the day.
Encourages work-life balance:
Prioritsing your lunch break for self-care and rejuvenation is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
By setting boundaries and allowing yourself time to unwind and recharge midday, you’re better equipped to manage stress and prevent burnout in the long run.
So, the next time you find yourself tempted to skip your break or eat at your desk, consider getting your walking boots on and stepping outside for a stroll. Your body, mind, and productivity levels will thank you for it.