We’re all aware of the benefits of exercise on our physical and mental health, but did you know that working out during your lunch break can also lead to increased productivity in the workplace? That’s right, taking a break from your desk to hit the gym, or even just go for a walk, can leave you more focused, energized, and efficient throughout the day.
The Science Behind Lunchtime Exercise
Research conducted by Scandinavian scientists from Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet has shown that incorporating physical activity into your workday, specifically during your lunch break, has the potential to boost your productivity without sacrificing any of your precious time.
In the study, employees took 2.5 hours each week to exercise during their lunch break, yet productivity did not suffer. In fact, the researchers found that these employees were able to complete the same amount of work in less time than before. The increased productivity can be attributed to two main factors:
- Improved stamina: Regular exercise helps to build up your stamina, making you more capable of tackling your workload as well as daily tasks without getting tired. This in turn enables you to get through your to-do list with greater ease and efficiency.
-
Reduced absenteeism: Taking part in physical activity has the added bonus of boosting your immune system, meaning you’re less likely to fall ill and take time off work.
Study authors Ulrica von Thiele Schwarz and Henna Hasson observed that those employees who engaged in around 30 minutes of physical activity during their lunch break reported a greater capacity to work and overall improved health.
Breaking Down the Barriers
One of the common excuses people give for not exercising is that they simply don’t have time. When you’re juggling work and personal responsibilities, it can be hard to find an extra half hour to dedicate solely to your health and wellbeing.
However, the findings from this study serve to debunk the myth that exercising during lunch breaks is detrimental to productivity. If you’re struggling to stay focused during the day, or experience the dreaded afternoon slump, a midday workout might be just what you need to re-energize.
How the Workplace Benefits
Understanding the benefits of lunchtime exercise, forward-thinking workplaces have started to emphasize the importance of employee wellness. Employers can support this initiative by:
- Encouraging employees to use their breaks to get active, go for a walk, or visit the company gym
- Offering flexible working hours to allow employees the opportunity to manage their time effectively, including time for exercise
- Providing information and resources, such as on-site workout facilities, or partnerships with local gyms and fitness studios
Not only does a healthier workforce mean fewer days off due to sickness, but healthy, happy, and energized employees are also more likely to be engaged and motivated to succeed in their jobs.
Getting Started with Lunchtime Exercise
If you’re keen to give lunchtime workouts a go, here are some tips to help you make the most of your break:
- Plan ahead: Ensure you have everything you need in your work bag, from workout clothes to a healthy lunch you can eat at your desk after your exercise session.
-
Keep it simple: You don’t need a full gym to get moving; a brisk walk or quick bodyweight circuit can be enough to refresh your mind and give you the energy you need to face the afternoon.
-
Stay accountable: Team up with a colleague and hold one another accountable for your midday workout.
-
Be realistic: Don’t try and squeeze an hour-long workout into a 30-minute break – know your limits, and modify your workout accordingly.
-
Practice time management: Set a timer on your phone or computer to ensure your lunch break workout doesn’t unexpectedly take up the entire afternoon.
In conclusion, incorporating exercise into your lunch break can not only improve your focus and efficiency at work, but it can also drastically improve your overall health and wellbeing. Whether you’re hitting the gym or simply going for a walk, a short physical activity session can lead to a more productive workday – so why not give it a try?
