Why Youre Sabotaging Your Success at Work If You Skip a Lunch Break

Why Youre Sabotaging Your Success at Work If You Skip a Lunch Break Breakfast gets all the credit, but for 9-to-5ers, lunch is a pretty important meal, too. Theres only one problem lots of employees fail to take their midday break. Instead, they sit at their desks and eat as they continue to work.Although this seems like a time-conscious choice, failure to take a lunch break can actually sabotage your success in the long run. Here are six reasons why.1. Youllfeel less focused.Sitting at your desk during lunch might seem like the productive choice not taking your eyes off your to-dos means youll get mora done, right? It turns out that youll feel much more focused if you walk away from your computer and eat lunch elsewhere. This is especially true if your break involves some sort of physical activity, such as a short walk.One study by Bristol University found that employees who took a walk over their lunch break returned feeling a 21 percent boost in their concentration and 41 percent more motivated to work.Simply changing things up and heading outside can help you pay more attention when youre back indoors, too. At the very least, a view of the outdoors especially if that vista is lush and green can boost your mood, which will only improve your work performance.2. Youll lose brain power.Another pro for lunch the foods you eat can help stimulate your brain, boost your energy and enhance your overall focus. Try incorporating healthy ingredients such as avocado, whole grains, nuts, blueberries or fish to reap all of the best brain-related benefits. Balance nutrients by adding protein and fiber for an energy boost to make it through the day, rounded out with whole grains, fruits and veggies.To that end, if youre not in the habit of doing so, start packing your own healthy lunches ASAP. That way, you can control what youre eating and ensure that your midday meal will sharpen your mind.3. Youll feel stressed.We cant promise that a lunch break will get rid of all you r work-related stress. But taking time to eat lunch without multitasking or even scrolling through your social media feeds gives you time to clear your mind. Because youre paying attention to what youre doing, youll return to your desk more focused.But if you dedicate your half-hour or another small period in your afternoon to a relaxing activity, such as mindfulness meditation, you will also feel your stress fizzle. And you already know the effects stress has on your work and state of mind. By getting rid of it with a quiet, thoughtful lunch break, youll have much more serene and successful afternoons.4. Yourproductivity will suffer.Some of the other pitfalls of powering through lunch point to this already, but its worth noting that a break can boost your productivity, too. Think about it youre working from morning until the late afternoon. Without a break in the middle of that, youll feel mentally sluggish by the time 2 or 3 p.m. rolls around.You might attribute this to the lun ch youre eating and the fact that a full belly makes you want a nap. But giving yourself a mental break will perk you up, too, even more than a cup of coffee to counteract a Tupperware full of pasta. And, with a renewed sense of energy, youll power through the afternoon and feel even more productive than you would have without that lunch break.5. Youllbe less creative.The creative mind thrives in a state of constant stimulation. Thats not to say you should go and work somewhere with a ton of distractions, but a change of scenery can breathe new life into your workplace pursuits.Once again, heading outdoors is advisable nature restores the mind and allows you to think in new ways once you return to your desk. But environments outside of your office are stimulating in general.For example, in the afternoons, creative minds tend to thrive while working in a coffee shop. Rather than the quiet, stark confines of your office, youll have the din of other customers ordering and drinking thei r java, as well as the shops interesting dcor to inspire you. If you cant work remotely, then at least take a lunch break off-site from time to time for the same effect. 6. Youwont make connections at work.There are plenty of simple ways to make friends while youre on the job. Heading to the break room to eat lunch opens you up to connections with your colleagues you never know who will sit down next to you and strike up a conversation. And, once you have made a few work friends, heading out to lunch together will only strengthen the bond.You already know the benefits of having buddies and social engagements you feel better when youre around people you love. But you can carry work connections with you through your career, too, to help you when you need references, a new job or even career advice that all could start at lunch.So, tomorrow and until you retire dont let your lunch break pass you by. Take advantage of that time by grabbing your brown bag and leaving your desk. As you can see, youll be better for it.