Why Not to Eat at Your Desk

Staring intently at Facebook and munching purposefully on a sandwich or bashing away at the keyboard and working through emails and a salad simultaneously; whether feigning productivity for your boss’ sake or pushing to shorten a long working day, you might want to think twice about staying seated for your midday meal.

1. Break status quo

Many people feel under pressure to stay chained to their desks instead of enjoying some well-deserved break time.  Far from appearing lazy by taking advantage of your lunch break, you will actually be boosting your productivity and reducing fatigue, which can negatively impact the standard of your work. By taking regular breaks where necessary and respecting the freedom that your employer provides you will enhance your efficiency and encourage those around you to take a healthier approach to their working day too.

2. Socially sidelined

An important part of an edifying professional life is the opportunity to build working relationships, friendships and establish comradery. By isolating yourself day after day and foregoing interaction with others in the office you could eventually ostracise yourself. Aside from being an unfulfilling way to work, this may also negatively affect your career prospects if you never branch out from your job description and no one in the office can identify with you on a personal level.

3. Fresh air, fresh ideas

Where possible, taking your break outdoors does wonderings for cognitive abilities. Rather than remaining under the florescent bulbs, head outside and fill your lungs with fresh air and your head with fresh ideas. Increased exposure to sunlight during the day assists in configuring a healthy body clock and better sleep patterns. With a better night’s sleep you’ll be happier and more productive the following day and healthier in the long run, too. A double win!

4. Eyes on the prize

Eyes on the screen and not on your food means that you’re guilty of distracted eating.  When you eat and place your focus elsewhere you tend to consume more calories than required to feel full. Mindless munching means that you get less enjoyment from your meal, making you more prone to snacking on little “treats” later in the day, which you may feel are deserved for having worked ‘so hard’ all the way through lunch.

5. Job satisfaction

Taking a little time each day to recharge and recuperate, whether with colleagues or alone, is precious personal time. By sacrificing that, the work/life balance is thrown. Over time you may feel that your mood and your attitude towards you work are on the decline. Don’t neglect your personal needs for the sake of extra email or two.

In conclusion, skipping breaks to work away creates a false economy when it comes to saving time and improving productivity. It will rob you of rest, rejuvenation and skew the balance of personal time and professional pursuits. 


Rachel Dooley

Rachel Dooley

Highly organized with an eye for a detail, great blogger, analytical thinker and problem solver, born optimist with passion for singing and fitness