It is estimated that more than 60 percent of office workers in the United States eat their lunch at their workstation on a regular basis. Whether its commitment to work or the need to finishing the job by multitasking, eating at your desk can be a disservice to your health. You’re in front of the computer all day and your mind needs a break. There are several health and other reasons why you shouldn’t be eating lunch at your desk.
- Sneaky weight gain: Distracted eating is one of the main causes of obesity. While you are working on your computer, your body and brain don’t properly process the amount of food you consume, which leads to increased calorie consumption. You are multitasking and your attention is neither on your work nor on your food. This can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
- Unhealthy food choices: People who eat at their desk tend to choose unhealthy lunch options like fattening foods or frozen lasagne, or depend on a vending machine. This will pile up extra calories.
- You sit too much, which is not unhealthy: Sitting too long is extremely unhealthy and it’s important to get up and move around. Even standing next to your desk to eat is a lot better than sitting. A brisk walk during lunchtime would improve your overall health.
- Can lower quality of work: You may think that eating your desk can save time and help you manage your workload better. However, this may lower the quality of the work you are doing. Leaving your desk for lunch will free your brain to consider new, fresh ideas and even find answers for unresolved problems. Letting your mind wander during the break can lead to new ideas and new inspiration.
- You miss bonding with co-workers: Socializing is good for your health and happiness and to build bonds with co-workers. Relationships at work are important because your stress and blood pressure levels tend to decrease and usually feel happier if you share some time with others. A study from MIT found that office workers who socialize tend to be about 10 percent more productive than those who don’t.
