Quit Eating ‘Al Desko’
In the information age, it’s easy to skip your lunch and eat it at your desk.
After all, at your desk you can catch up on work, or use the downtime to do personal admin, send a few emails and make a few calls.
However, though more and more workers may be choosing to eat their lunches ‘Al Desko’ studies have shown that eating al fresco is still the best way to go.
Not sure? Here’s just a few of the benefits of stepping away from your desk to take a break.
It enhances your mood
Staring at a computer all day is not healthy, not for anyone. The glare from computer screens can result in headaches and eye strain. Moreover, in the winter, office hours typically start before the sun has fully risen and end after sunset. Staying inside all day is preventing you from getting that all-important vitamin D will enhance your mood. Take a moment to poke your head outside, it will make you feel like you aren’t missing out on all daylight hours winter has to offer.
It increases productivity
Though it may seem counter-intuitive that you will be more productive if you take your full lunch, breathe some fresh air, eat slowly and read a book, it is by far and away the best thing you can do to keep motivated throughout the afternoon. Eating at your desk may seem like you are getting more done, but it blurs the time between work and play. Experts advise that segmenting your day into periods where you work and periods where you play ensures you are not only rested, but productive in your working hours.
It stops you overeating
Not having a distinct lunchtime can mean that instead of having a set meal to eat at the designated time can result in you snacking all day. Or if you aren’t concentrating on your meal it can lead to mindless overeating as you move through your afternoon tasks. Additionally, office work tends to be rather sedentary, and offices are infamous for having biscuits and cakes everywhere, gaining weight is a common office-job side effect. Stay trim by keeping to your breaks, and ensuring you have a set item for each break.
It promotes physical health
Stretching your legs is not only good for keeping fit and being weight conscious. Sitting is the most unnatural of all human positions, as it compresses your back and puts pressure on your spine. Taking a little walk at lunch time will go a long way to ensuring better spinal health.
It’s more hygienic
Desks are germy breeding grounds. Eating your lunch in and around your computer (which is frequently warm) can create a whole host of bacteria that can then go on to become viruses.
Though your work is important, your health and wellbeing are more so. Make sure you take the time to go outside a few times a week at least during your lunch, you’ll notice an improvement in both your physical and mental health.
Do you make a point to step away from your desk at lunch hour?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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