EventsEvents
'TAKE BACK THE LUNCH BREAK'
Enlighten, Energize, Elevate, Entertain Yourself
Do you grab your lunch and eat it in front of your computer? Do you buy a muffin in the rush
to your next meeting? Do you feel like your day is out of your control? Are you tired, sluggish,
or exhausted at the end of the day when you finally make it out of your office or lab?
Do you find yourself getting sick more often? Do you wait until your annual vacation to slow
down and relax? Did you stop at all today?
It is time to take back the lunch break! You may think that you are accomplishing more by
working through your lunch, but the literature and anecdotal evidence on workplace productivity
and absenteeism suggest otherwise. In this case, more work is not better work.
If you usually work through your lunch break or do not bother taking any other short breaks
during the day, we have a challenge for you!
'TAKE BACK THE LUNCH BREAK' CHALLENGE:
Commit to taking a lunch break at least three times a week (how about every day!) for the next
two weeks. Do anything but sit in front of your computer during that break. Go to lunch with a
friend, take a walk, sit on a park bench. Be sure to leave your office and leave the building, even
if it is for a few minutes. Try it. You'll like it! Let us know what it was like taking time out during
the day! Did it make a positive or negative impact on your energy level, your concentration, and
your ability to manage your stress level?
The Ten Top Reasons for Not Taking a Lunch Break:
1. My own lack of discipline, I just can not be bothered to go out.
2. No one else takes a break in my office. Others frown upon taking a break.
3. I am afraid that others will think I am not committed enough.
4. There isn't anything I really want to do.
5. I have too much work.
6. I forgot my lunch anyway or I do not want to spend any more money on lunches.
7. I want to leave on time and need to get this (whatever it may be) done today.
8. I'm just going to use the time to check my e-mails.
9. If I take a lunch break, I'll have 10 voice mails and 20 e-mails by the time I get back.
10. It is too cold, wet, hot, sunny, rainy, snowy, windy...
What keeps you from taking a break?
Try taking a few minutes for yourself. You will benefit and the University will benefit as well.
When you take care of yourself, your productivity and focus increase. A break may also serve
as a stress reliever. Recent studies indicate that the stressors associated with work-life balance
and workplace issues are contributing to higher rates of absenteeism and 'presenteeism' (here in
body but not in mind). Taking care of yourself will not only benefit you as an individual - but
those who you interact with - at work and at home.
The University of Toronto recognized that issues of workplace health are best addressed through
both, individual and systematic action. The 'Take Back the Lunch Break' campaign in intended to
motivate you to put yourself first and take a break during the day. Hopefully taking a break will
make a significant difference in your day, every day.
The campaign is also aimed at managers and supervisors, who are in a position to create and
maintain a culture, that encourages and models, reasonable and healthy workplace practices.
Managers play a critical role in supporting employees in their efforts to balance the demands of
work and other important aspects of our lives.
Here are some suggestions for destinations or activities during your lunch break.
Ideas for your lunch break
On your computer-based calendar, book yourself busy during your lunch break.
St. George Campus: