Some people often feel too busy to take time for lunch because they have a lot of work to do. They must continue working without taking a lunch break when there is an urgent deadline.
In some work environments, the pressure to continue working without taking a break is also considered a sign of productivity and dedication. Taking time to eat lunch will have many benefits, especially for health.
The significance of taking a lunch break
Taking the time to eat lunch during busy work hours offers numerous benefits. These benefits include:
Increase productivity
Humans are not machines that can work continuously without getting tired. Lunch breaks allow employees to get away from the pressure and stress of work for a moment. This allows them to relax their minds and restore energy so they can return to work more refreshed and focused.
Improve mental health
Job stress can have an impact on employee mental health. Taking time for a lunch break can help improve emotional health by taking a break from work stress.
A study found that lunch breaks reduce fatigue and improve mental health.
Read more: Is It Really Happy To Delay Work Including Mental Health Problems?
Increase creativity
When the mind has a certain amount of rest, the energy and focus needed for creativity will be restored. Like refueling the body, resting and eating healthy foods can increase mental stamina so that the body has enough energy to develop new, unique ideas.
Prevent job burnout
Job burnout is a type of work-related stress that involves physical and emotional exhaustion, feelings of uselessness, helplessness, and emptiness. Although not a medical diagnosis, this condition can significantly impact a person's physical and mental health.
Taking regular lunch time is one of the effective steps to prevent job burnout. Taking breaks prevents the accumulation of fatigue and maintains stable energy levels throughout the day.
A little movement, such as going for a walk, can greatly reduce stress levels, which is one of the leading causes of job burnout and can reduce overall well-being.
Helps create positive eating behavior
Regular lunch breaks give the body essential nutrients and promote positive eating behaviour. Prioritizing lunchtime can make you more mindful of your food choices, leading to healthier eating habits.
Read more: Diabetes To Fertility Disorders, This Is A Health Risk That Night Shift Workers Can Experience
Reduces back pain
Sitting at a desk for prolonged periods can lead to tension and stiffness in the back muscles, resulting in back pain. To prevent this, taking breaks from sitting, standing, and stretching are good strategies that can help reduce the risk of back pain and maintain bone health.
Lunch breaks allow you to stand up, move around, and relieve pressure on your spine and back muscles.
Taking a break during lunchtime can be beneficial to your work performance. Suppose you are experiencing symptoms of job burnout, such as high blood pressure, indigestion, recurring headaches, difficulty concentrating, depression, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, trouble sleeping, or suicidal thoughts. In that case, it is recommended that you seek help from a doctor or psychologist.
You can access health consultation services through the Ai Care application, which is available for download on the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Monica Salim
Better Health Channel. Work-related stress. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/work-related-stress
WHO (2020). Occupational health: Stress at the workplace. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ccupational-health-stress-at-the-workplace
Nicole M. LaMarco (2022). 8 Evidence-Based Reasons Why You Should Take a Lunch Break. Available from: https://www.verywellfit.com/why-you-should-take-a-lunch-break-6740449
Mental Health Foundation. How to support mental health at work. Available from: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-support-mental-health-work
Mayo Clinic (2023). Job burnout: How to spot it and take action. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
CDC (2022). Improving Your Eating Habits. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/eating_habits.html
Royce G. Morse (2019). Why Does My Lower Back Hurt When I Sit and How Can I Relieve the Pain?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/lower-back-pain-when-sitting
Elizabeth Scott, PhD (2022). How to Recognize Burnout Symptoms. Available from: https://www.verywellmind.com/stress-and-burnout-symptoms-and-causes-3144516