SUMMARY POINTS
It’s a pretty common thing now. Every day, from the moment you sit at your desk, it’s a non-stop flow of pressure from all directions. It’s the increasing email count, back-to-back meetings and multiple consecutive conference calls. You barely have time to prep for the executive presentation.
On really bad days, you can’t even get to the bathroom to take a fucking piss - it’s that bad sometimes. By the time lunchtime comes around, you are forced to work through lunch just to keep up with the day.
But this isn’t a good idea - not at all.
When you’re running at full speed all morning, you’re pushing your mental capacity to the limit. While this can be done in short sprints, it’s not good to go all out through the entire morning.
You gotta give yourself a timeout every once in a while. Otherwise, you’ll lose your shit. And, when lunchtime comes around, you gotta mentally and physically step away from your desk and work.
On really bad days, you can’t even get to the bathroom to take a fucking piss - it’s that bad sometimes. By the time lunchtime comes around, you are forced to work through lunch just to keep up with the day.
But this isn’t a good idea - not at all.
When you’re running at full speed all morning, you’re pushing your mental capacity to the limit. While this can be done in short sprints, it’s not good to go all out through the entire morning.
You gotta give yourself a timeout every once in a while. Otherwise, you’ll lose your shit. And, when lunchtime comes around, you gotta mentally and physically step away from your desk and work.
The Science Behind Lunchtime Breaks
Studies show that taking regular breaks, including a real lunch break away from the madness at your desk, can boost productivity. When you return to work after being away for an hour, you’re more focused and efficient.
Regular breaks help reduce the risk of burnout. By taking time to recharge, you’re more likely to maintain a healthy work-life balance. And, you’re better able to manage work stress on an on-going basis - ‘cause ya’ know, all the shit rolls downhill to you all the time and it never ends.
Lunch breaks are essential for mental health. They reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall job satisfaction. It’s a simple yet effective way to take care of yourself. But many of us either feel compelled to work through lunch or just don’t have a choice.
Many people feel guilty about taking breaks. Remember, breaks are not a luxury; they’re a necessity. Remind yourself that taking a break will make you more productive for the rest of the day.
This is because when you give your mind some downtime during lunch, you’re slowing things down and letting it recuperate. The lunch break isn’t just about filling your stomach. It’s also about resting and recharging your mind.
Regular breaks help reduce the risk of burnout. By taking time to recharge, you’re more likely to maintain a healthy work-life balance. And, you’re better able to manage work stress on an on-going basis - ‘cause ya’ know, all the shit rolls downhill to you all the time and it never ends.
Lunch breaks are essential for mental health. They reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall job satisfaction. It’s a simple yet effective way to take care of yourself. But many of us either feel compelled to work through lunch or just don’t have a choice.
Many people feel guilty about taking breaks. Remember, breaks are not a luxury; they’re a necessity. Remind yourself that taking a break will make you more productive for the rest of the day.
This is because when you give your mind some downtime during lunch, you’re slowing things down and letting it recuperate. The lunch break isn’t just about filling your stomach. It’s also about resting and recharging your mind.
5 Great Ways To Destress During Lunch

We’ve all been there. The clock strikes noon, and instead of feeling excited about a much-needed break, you’re buried with a heavy load of grunt work. Deadlines loom, emails pile up, and your stress levels are making your ears blow steam.
But guess what?
Lunchtime is your golden hour to recharge and reboot. This is your personal time. It’s belongs to you and you only, not the company.
Lunchtime isn’t just about fueling your body; it’s also about recharging your mental batteries. Studies show that taking a proper lunch break can significantly boost productivity and reduce stress. It’s your micro-vacation in the middle of a hectic workday.
But guess what?
Lunchtime is your golden hour to recharge and reboot. This is your personal time. It’s belongs to you and you only, not the company.
Lunchtime isn’t just about fueling your body; it’s also about recharging your mental batteries. Studies show that taking a proper lunch break can significantly boost productivity and reduce stress. It’s your micro-vacation in the middle of a hectic workday.
Step Outside for Fresh Air
A change of scenery can do wonders. Stepping outside even for just a few minutes can help wipe the stress from the morning - at least for the time being. This improves your mood and clarity.
If you can get outside with nature - even if it’s just looking at some trees nearby, it’ll have a calming effect that helps reset your mind, making you more efficient when you have to return to the bullshit that is called work.
If you can’t get to a park, a short walk around the block can be just as refreshing. Find a quiet spot where you can breathe deeply and enjoy your surroundings. The fresh air and natural light are mood lifters.
If you can get outside with nature - even if it’s just looking at some trees nearby, it’ll have a calming effect that helps reset your mind, making you more efficient when you have to return to the bullshit that is called work.
If you can’t get to a park, a short walk around the block can be just as refreshing. Find a quiet spot where you can breathe deeply and enjoy your surroundings. The fresh air and natural light are mood lifters.
Practice Mindful Eating
Ever heard of Mindful Eating?
Yeah, neither did we. But, this shit helps - for real. And, it makes food more enjoyable.
Mindful eating means focusing on the act of eating. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. This not only enhances your eating experience but also helps you feel more satisfied and less stressed because you’re refocusing your mind on eating and not the stress of what’s waiting for you.
When you’re mindfully eating, you eat slower and savor each bite. This helps you feel more relaxed. It’s also a great way to disconnect from work and give your brain a break.
So, put away your phone. Just eat and chew slowly. Notice how each bite tastes and feels. These small changes can make a big difference in how you feel after lunch.
Yeah, neither did we. But, this shit helps - for real. And, it makes food more enjoyable.
Mindful eating means focusing on the act of eating. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. This not only enhances your eating experience but also helps you feel more satisfied and less stressed because you’re refocusing your mind on eating and not the stress of what’s waiting for you.
When you’re mindfully eating, you eat slower and savor each bite. This helps you feel more relaxed. It’s also a great way to disconnect from work and give your brain a break.
So, put away your phone. Just eat and chew slowly. Notice how each bite tastes and feels. These small changes can make a big difference in how you feel after lunch.
Stretching Exercises
Sitting at a desk all day can make your muscles stiff and sore. It can also result in dead butt syndrome. Stretching helps relieve tension and improves circulation. It’s a quick way to reset your body and mind.
Find a quiet spot outside. Or, if the weather is shitty, hop into an empty conference room. Start with simple stretches like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and seated forward bends. You can also add hand and wrist stretches too.
Just a few minutes of stretching or doing some micro exercises can make you feel a whole lot better. The key is to make it a regular part of your day.
Find a quiet spot outside. Or, if the weather is shitty, hop into an empty conference room. Start with simple stretches like neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, and seated forward bends. You can also add hand and wrist stretches too.
Just a few minutes of stretching or doing some micro exercises can make you feel a whole lot better. The key is to make it a regular part of your day.
Socialize With Work BFFs
Humans are social creatures. Taking a break to chat with your office besties and work BFFs can improve your mood and reduce stress. It’s great to hang out with fun co-workers during your midday break.
Whether the time is used to vent about work, talk about shared hobbies, plans for a solo weekend getaway or the latest streaming series or movies. Just chatting with office friends helps to release some pressure.
Whether the time is used to vent about work, talk about shared hobbies, plans for a solo weekend getaway or the latest streaming series or movies. Just chatting with office friends helps to release some pressure.
Go Solo And Listen to Music
While socializing with others can be great, getting some solitude can be just as good. It’s important, to balance social time with some alone time every now and then. If you’re an introvert, a quiet break might be more recharging.
Music has a unique ability to elevate your mood and reduce stress. Create a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to during lunch. Or even better, create a playlist from your high school or college days to trigger some of that awesome feelings of nostalgia. This will re-route your mind to escape the stress of work for a while.
Music has a unique ability to elevate your mood and reduce stress. Create a playlist of your favorite songs to listen to during lunch. Or even better, create a playlist from your high school or college days to trigger some of that awesome feelings of nostalgia. This will re-route your mind to escape the stress of work for a while.
Tips To Maximize The Benefits
Just like with other activities, consistency is key. Make your lunchtime break a non-negotiable event. Block it on your calendar just like a mandatory meeting so that nobody can steal that time from you.
You don’t have to stick to just one activity. Combine them for maximum impact. For example, you can take a walk outside while listening to music or stretch while chatting with a colleague.
Everyone is different, so find what works best for you. Experiment with different activities until you find a routine that leaves you feeling refreshed and less stressed.
Work life is unpredictable, and some days might be more stressful than others. Be flexible and adjust your routine as needed. The goal is to find a balance that works for you so that you can manage work stress like a champ daily.
You don’t have to stick to just one activity. Combine them for maximum impact. For example, you can take a walk outside while listening to music or stretch while chatting with a colleague.
Everyone is different, so find what works best for you. Experiment with different activities until you find a routine that leaves you feeling refreshed and less stressed.
Work life is unpredictable, and some days might be more stressful than others. Be flexible and adjust your routine as needed. The goal is to find a balance that works for you so that you can manage work stress like a champ daily.
Lunchtime Is Your Time To Rest And Recharge

Taking a break is essential for your well-being and productivity. By incorporating these simple activities into your lunch break, you can reduce stress and return to work feeling refreshed.
Remember, the key is consistency. Make these activities a regular part of your routine, and you’ll see the benefits. Specifically, you’ll see that it’ll become easier to get back in the zone after lunch and crush the rest of the day like a champ.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]
Remember, the key is consistency. Make these activities a regular part of your routine, and you’ll see the benefits. Specifically, you’ll see that it’ll become easier to get back in the zone after lunch and crush the rest of the day like a champ.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]