Eat lunch away from your desk

Lunch is an ideal time to take a break and get away from your desk.

by Karen Adamedes

If you are working from home, there may be no one at the next desk to be envious of (or complain) about the aroma of your lunch, or any health risks associated with the germs that might be on a shared keyboard… but that doesn’t mean you should eat lunch at your desk when you work from home. (This also applies to breakfast and dinner as well!).

Avoid the crumbs

I’m the first to admit that I have eaten lunch at my desk more times than I should have. The reasons are always the same: no break between meetings; a never-ending inbox of emails; a constantly ringing phone; and, probably the worst reason of all, so I can spend my “break” scrolling on social media. (I’m not the only one, right?) I’ve had plenty of crumbs and spilt coffees in the keyboard.

And if I’m honest, I’ve probably had to spend more time cleaning it than I’ve saved through the multitasking of working and munching at the same time.

Lunch is an ideal time for a break

Meal times are a chance to take a mental break, move, get some sunshine, and focus on what you are going to eat. It’s also an opportunity to leave the house and interact with some human beings face-to-face. The great thing about working from home is that you can schedule your breaks at a time to suit you. Unless you have meetings you just can’t avoid, you can decide to have your lunch break in the middle of the morning or late in the afternoon; whatever works for you.

Plan when you will take your lunch break, and make sure to include that time in your schedule. Every day. Even a short break – say, a visit to the kitchen to grab some food, then eating it at the dining-room table – ticks a lot of boxes. It gives your eyes a rest, gets you moving, and provides you with a break to refresh or contemplate your priorities. (Double points if you go outside and get some fresh air and steps at the same time!)

Choices. Choices!

What and where you eat lunch are up to you. Just not at your desk!

Here are some ideas:

Make something yummy for dinner and have the leftovers for lunch the next day, whilst you sit outside.

Pop out to your favorite coffee shop.

Prepare something fresh and delicious for your break.

Arrange to meet a friend or a colleague for a break and a snack.

All of a sudden, taking a break for lunch goes from an irritating interruption to something you can really look forward to. It takes discipline to tear yourself away from whatever urgent thing you have to work on and lunch away from your desk – but it is a good use of your time.

Enjoy your lunch break - whatever you do!