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5 reasons to step away from your desk at lunch time

Summer is here – Make a “Break” for it

The Irish summer is well and truly here. The scent of charcoal is in the air, longer evenings and warmer weather will provide the perfect excuse to get out of the house and do something in the evenings.

However, most of us are admiring this rare and beautiful phenomenon called “the sun” through the office window. Lets not wait until the evening time to get out and enjoy the great Irish summer. Let’s take the time to consider how we can capitalise on this during our work day,  and I say “what better way than the humble lunch break”!

Most of us are happy to rush through our lunch or indeed skip lunch altogether. Having a sandwich at our desk or grabbing a quick bite in between e-mails maybe having a more negative affect on our well being, than you think.

Lets not forget those who bring the office work with them on their lunch breaks. With the never ending developments in technology, hand held electronic devices and unlimited access to social media and professional networks, we have to ask ourselves “are we ever really stepping away from the office”? Check out 5 good reasons to step away from the desk at lunch time:

Step away from the desk at lunch time.

 

 

1. Is sitting all day, affecting your health?

Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to increased risk of premature death, particularly from cardiovascular disease. It is also associated with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cancer. Stepping away from our desks and moving around helps prevent the onset of musculoskeletal disorders (from prolonged poor posture) and potentially deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be caused by long periods of sitting.  It’s a good opportunity to go for a walk or run as exercise releases endorphins – those feel good neurotransmitters which produce a general feeling of wellbeing. Sunlight increases oxygen content in human blood. And, it also enhances the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to the tissues; very similar to the effects of exercise. The sun has a great effect on stamina, fitness and muscular development.

2. Nobody likes a cranky pants

The sun, in moderation, can heal all kinds of illnesses, and bring about radiant health. However, we live in a modern world that is bombarded with paranoid messages about how dangerous the sun is.  Sun rays stimulate the body to produce Vitamin D and encourage the production of serotonin (a hormone that plays an important part in the regulation of mood) and makes you less cranky. Something, I’m sure, your colleagues will appreciate. The sun also has other benefits such as bone health, supports the immune system, protects against dementia and brain aging etc.

 3. Your waistline will thank you for it

Eating whilst continuing to check emails, etc. can lead to ‘mindless eating’, which can cause people to overeat and/or eat the wrong foods, therefore, gaining weight. Avoid buying your lunch everyday. The food we make at home is always going to be healthier than the meals available from the corner shop or local café. It only takes a couple of minutes to prepare a healthy lunch at home.

 4. Reduce your stress levels with exercise

Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress – so taking a break in the middle of the day is a great way to deal with looming deadlines and difficult co-workers. Again when we exercise, our brains produce more serotonin, this super chemical that helps to relieve depression and reduce stress. A much better solution than having a melt down in the office toilet cubicle.

5. Maybe there is a solution to your problems

Sometimes a situation crops up early in the workday that needs a great deal of brain power to solve. When this happens, the best solution is to clear your head and return to work refreshed. Getting some exercise at lunch increases  our blood flow and our oxygen levels are increased, the brain creates new synapses – or connections – which improves our cognitive performance. This in turn helps us solve tricky problems at work.

 

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CareerWise Recruitment. EastGate Village, EastGate, Little Island, Cork.

Phone: +353 (0) 21 206 1900

Email: info@careerwise.ie