Making your work-break, work for you!

Holly Nixon, 18th March 2021

Are you often found working through lunch, perhaps a wilting sandwich in hand trying get
‘all the stuff’ done!

What if we told you that taking the time to get away from your desk, refuel and recharge could actually help you to get MORE done!

“What witchcraft and wizardry is this??” I hear you ask.  How can working LESS mean achieving MORE?” you exclaim.

Well…. 

We solve problems better when we aren’t giving them our full attention:

Our brains have two functioning modes: focused, and ‘diffused’. When operating in diffused mode, our brain is more relaxed and in a ‘daydream’ type state. Studies have shown that we often solve our most difficult problems when we’re in this diffused state –how many times have you had a lightbulb moment in the shower? Next time you have a difficult problem to solve, try letting your brain wander and find its own solution, instead of forcing yourself to find the answer.

Taking regular breaks increases productivity:

Breaking up the day, gives you mini deadlines to work towards in completing tasks which can spur you on to get more done.  Physically stepping away from your work surroundings also gives you a chance to retain information, reflect on what you have achieved and increase creativity.

Could you be working too hard?

If your workload is such that you feel the need to work through it, you may already be pushing yourself too far and it would be useful to look at your workload and ways to prioritise and set boundaries before reaching burn out. 

Chances are, if you are having to work without a break, you are probably more likely to be working late too.  Time to work smarter – not harder?

The Legal Stuff

If you are employed, you are legally allowed (and often not paid for) a lunch break.
The amount of break time you are legally entitled to depends on the country in which you’re working.  Check with your employee handbook or HR department for information on this.

If you are self-employed, be mindful to take time out for your own wellbeing.

What Makes A Good Break?

At Meet By The Park we work with lots of teams and individuals to encourage a great lunch break practice and here are some of our tips:

• Take 20-60 minutes away from your working environment – Meet By The Park is fortunate to be centrally located in Leamington Spa. Within walking distance of some amazing independent cafes and green open spaces.
• Get outside if you can.  Fresh air and sunlight has proven effects on lifting your mood. 
• Get Social – meet a friend for a walk or coffee or take the time to call someone for a chat
• Refuel – Have a healthy and tasty lunch prepared, or support local and pop to get something to refuel you with good energy for the rest of the day.  We highly recommend The Band Stand Tearooms, The Rustic Food Company and Nana’s Japanese all in walking distance of us in Leamington Spa.
• Get Moving - A brisk walk will help you feel energised and get those endorphins pumping.  Meet By The Park is situated beside ‘The Pump Room Gardens’ which has a 1km circular walking path and is a calm and tranquil space with plenty of greenery too.
  We can supply outside chairs and table to enjoy lunch in the summer and we even have some sporting supplies for a game or two
• Allow time to reflect on your day and any challenges you are working on or simply recognising your achievements. 

Something Holding You Back?

Here are some of our tips to get you started:

• Schedule your lunch break in your diary – helping to avoid meeting conflicts too 
• Try to incorporate a shorter break and then increase it over a number of weeks
• Aim for 3 days with a break if you need to and be mindful of the effects on your productivity
• Arrange to meet a friend for a walk or share a sandwich on a park bench (you are less likely to cancel that!)

Let us know how you get on… and if you are in Leamington on your lunch break, why not pop by to see us and get a tour of our meeting rooms and facilities?