When you're snowed under with work, it's tempting to just grab a sandwich at your desk - or even skip eating lunch altogether.
In fact, a survey last year found that one in ten workers take less than 20 minutes for their lunch, and one in four don't bother with lunch at all.
But it's well worth just taking time out of your working day to enjoy the outdoors.
In fact, you'll be more likely to get your work done if you're refreshed for the afternoon.
Researchers from Bristol University found that three-quarters of workers who went to the gym during their lunch break actually improved their time management on their exercise days.
And a whopping 79 per cent said that they performed better in the office after they'd had an energetic break.
But you don't have to stick to the gym - there's plenty of great ideas to help you make the most of your time out. Here's just a few:
- Arrange to meet a friend in a local cafe or park if it's a nice day. You're less likely to skip a lunch with a friend, however busy you are.
- Try taking a packed lunch rather than buying it. It'll save you money and time as well - you can go straight to your favourite park bench rather than spending half your lunch time queuing up in the sandwich shop.
- Get your colleagues involved. Why not organise a weekly office picnic? If you're feeling energetic, you could even take a Frisbee or a football! Or combine your weekly hour out with another activity, such as a book club, which you could do in a cafe or pub if the weather lets you down.
- Explore your local area. If you're in a town, why not use your lunchbreaks to look round local churches, parks, exhibitions, museums or interesting buildings? And if you're in the country, explore footpaths and bridleways for quick walks you can do in half an hour or so.
- Above all, vary your lunch and your activities. It's easy to get into a cheese sandwich and chocolate bar rut, and when you're bored with your food, you'll just want to get your lunch over with as quickly as possible! Experiment with new ideas, like soups, stews, pasta and rice salads. Or if you're dedicated to your sandwich, try different breads like pitta, foccacia, granary or crispbread.
Roisin Witort from Ryvita says: "I've been inspired to start a lunchtime walking club here at Ryvita to make the most of the lovely countryside around our office!" And we'd love to know how you're all making the most of your precious lunch break - tell us your ideas!"
Sources
http://www.gm.tv/articles/39683-work-shorter-lunch-breaks.html
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/tm_headline=take-an-office-lunch-break-and-boost-productivity&method=full&objectid=19912231&siteid=50082-name_page.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/3793791/Going-to-the-gym-in-a-lunch-break-makes-you-work-better.html
