It's surprising how few people take advantage of a lunch break during their workday.
Although taking a lunch break might be guilt-inducing for those who work in offices that encourage a "working lunch," taking time to focus on yourself can have positive effects on your physical and mental health. Read on for four reasons that will convince you to reclaim your lunch hour.
Stress Relief
High stress levels can affect your mental health and lead to sleeplessness, irritability, and fatigue. If you simply don't have the time to go for a run or fit in a yoga practice to relieve the stress, stepping away from your triggers — like work — can be just what you need. Taking a lunch break gives you the chance to eat your way to stress-relief and practice a quick feel-good-inducing activities.
Better Blood Circulation
Taking time away from your desk at lunch time requires movement. Stretching isn't just something you do to begin and end a workout; it's important in your everyday life, too. Going for a short walk during your lunch break gives your muscles a good stretch, which improves blood circulation and maintains range of motion in your joints, thereby making our bodies less susceptible to dizzy spells and cramps and helping us avoid injury.
This article originally published on PopSugar.com by LORIE MWANZA