Two Minutes Du Jour

Think back to your school days. To youngsters, lunch time is as important as reading and math classes, and is certainly as welcome as recess.

Mostly, kids look forward to walking to the cafeteria, getting a tray of food, or opening their lunch box to see what’s inside. It’s a social break for some food and conversation, which gives them energy to continue learning.

But as we grow up, the ritual of lunch often fades into an afterthought—something squeezed between meetings or skipped entirely. Adults are less likely to take a mid-day lunch break, and yet it’s just as important.

Sometimes, it’s uninterrupted quiet time or welcome chatter with colleagues. It might be time to run an errand or take care of a personal task. Maybe you sneak in a chapter in the book you’re reading or listen to part of a podcast.

Whatever you do, take a lunch break.

Back in my in-office days, our team had lunch together on Mondays. Everyone looked forward to the fellowship. Last week, we had lunch out with one of our agency partners. Between a commute and a restaurant meal, it was about a two-and-a-half-hour event, but well worth it since it meant we got to connect, talk some business, and find some common personal and professional interests. Not every workday allows for such a long lunch, but when the opportunity arises, it’s a great way to build relationships beyond emails and Zoom calls.

As you know from my many blog posts, my lunch hour these days usually includes a walk with my husband and our dog, followed by lunch for us and a treat for Duke. Our walks often start out as conversations, sharing news, problem-solving, and making plans, and by the end, we’re walking in silent reflection before one of us asks, “What do you want for lunch?”

Recently, I’ve observed the father-son team remodeling our house eating lunch together. The job takes physical and mental energy, so a dedicated break from the work is just the ticket to rest and recharge, and Duke is always curious about what they are doing – in this photo, he’s checking out the trailer and wondering what they will be up to next!

Solo or together, lunch is a much-needed, under-appreciated mid-day break. Whether it’s time for connection or solitude, taking a real lunch break isn’t just a pause—it’s fuel for the rest of the day.

Two Links Du Jour:

5 Healthy Lunch Break Habits – Piedmont Health

How to Improve Your Mental Health on Your Lunch Break – Just Works