If you’re like many women, you sit at your desk and work while eating lunch, or you skip it altogether. As stress levels rise at the work place, could it be because only a third of us take a lunch break?
The U.S. Department of Labor tells us that by law, you have to take a 30 minute break after four hours of work. But you should also want to to reduce brain drain, for physical and mental health, and also to connect with colleagues.
I just had lunch with a new co-worker to get to know her better and she let me know she hadn’t gone out to lunch for almost four years. I myself probably only go out six or seven times a year. I know it’s not good. Three-quarters of Americans, including myself, are deficient in Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. Just getting out a few days a week at optimal sunshine for absorbing Vitamin D could make the difference in that one area. Vitamin D not only keeps our bones strong as well as our immune system, but when it comes to work–it helps us maintain cognitive functions.
Increase Mental Stamina
With the downturn in the economy and employee cuts, many of us have challenging work loads. We think that hunkering down and pushing through is the answer, but taking that lunch break could be key. Chris Cunningham, professor of Industrial-Organizational and Occupational Health Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga talks about focus and brain drain, “”Taking a lunch break away from the desk lets people separate themselves from the source of that drain…and that offers the opportunity to build back some of those resources in the middle of the day—rather than just at the end when work is over.” Cunningham goes on to say that the amount of time you need to replenish is individual with some only needing as little as 10 minutes and others needing a full lunch hour.
Enjoy Your Meal
Being mindful of what you eat is better for your digestion and sitting down other than at your desk allows your body to be in a “rest and digest” state. According to one source, “Being in a stressed state of mind may cause digestive distress like bloating, abdominal pain or cramping, constipation, or diarrhea. It also forces you to set the intention to eat rather than eating mindlessly out of boredom.” Chances are you will make better choices and eat less.
It’s Good for Your Career
Eating with a colleague helps you to form important work bonds. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, “First, some people are more naturally inclined to form clicking relationships. Second, these people are much more likely to succeed in the workplace. Clicking at work can mean a promotion, a raise, or a position at the center of the company’s social network.” Not only can it be good for your career at your current company, it could be vital for your future career. Having work friends refer your for a job is the number one way to get hired.
Get Happy
Getting up and moving around at lunch also gets Endorphins moving around in your body. Not only do Endorphins help you cope with pain and stress, they also Endorphins also make you feel happier and more relaxed when their levels increase.
