Most people these days, for better or worse, work in an office setting. Even if you are not in an office, in all likelihood you are putting many hours into your job.
When I started working back in 2006 (I still can’t believe I’ve officially been in the workforce longer than I was in college) my company had a policy that everyone had to work 9-6, but could have a one hour lunch break. Since I was especially unhappy in my job, you better believe I took that break every day!
Fortunately, it developed into a habit. I think a lot of people out there feel pressured to be at their desks, connected, and ready to work at all times. However, I find that I am actually more productive after taking an hour for myself.
Therefore, I’m encouraging you all to take a recess every day. Remember when you were a kid in school and you had that precious recess hour? Those were the days.
I just got back from a nice break. I biked home, walked the dog and ran a speedy 3 miles (pace >8:30, yay!) back to work. I took a quick shower and my workout is done for the day. While working out is one option for a lunch break, there are other things you can do:
- Eat your lunch outside. People watch. Fluorescent lights don’t provide Vitamin D you know.
- Read a book. On a bench somewhere, in the office lobby, anywhere away from your desk.
- Shop. Ok, I don’t recommend doing this very often. Let’s just say after my first few pay checks I realized that working downtown provides a few too many temptations.
- Take a walk. This is a great way to get exercise without earning the reputation as the sweaty girl (or guy).
- Call your friends and family. We’re all great at keeping in touch on facebook, but a good phone conversation can never be replaced.
- Run errands. Dry cleaners, manicure, eyebrows, eye doctor, CVS, grocery store. Those are all things I’ve done on my lunch break.
- Go to Whole Foods and try free samples. Maybe that’s a bit specific. But when I worked in Virginia I was known to take a stroll to WF just for the samples. Everyone likes free stuff, right?
Do you ever take a recess? What is your usual recess activity?
I typically eat lunch at my desk, but I always go out for a little walk. I walk with co-workers to get their lunch or just walk down the street to do some people watching. I feel so cooped up if I don’t get out at some point during the day!
wow you freaked me out. I started working the same time. Ahh. haha
I definitely always take an hour break. Otherwise I would go crazy.
Unfortunately all my co-workers who are also friends always want to go out to eat. I am starting to try to go with them some places, but pack my own lunch. Obviously there are very few setting where this is okay though.
I am planning on starting to go to the park and read a book once the heat calms down. I used to do this at an old job where i wasn’t friends with anyone in the office.
I love taking a break during my work day. Sometimes it’s a walk home for lunch, sometimes a trip to the grocery store, or simply time to walk and clear my head. It makes the day go by faster and I feel refreshed and ready to work again.
Shop or Starbucks run:) This post was for me! Agghh big buildings. I miss working in a loft office with the window open, that was living.
I get SUCH a short lunch break that my only recess is going to pick up lunch
I would LOVE to be able to get a workout in!
When I worked downtown – and was similarly displeased with my job – i would go outside during lunch every single day. Walk, shop, sit. Anyting to it be at work! Now i go to the gym during my lunch.
I wish that my previous job would have allowed for a recess during the day. More often than not, I never got a real lunch break and would try to shovel in food between patients. Some days I just need to get outside for a bit of fresh air.