More than half of Brits are skipping their lunch breaks for two major reasons

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

A study of 2,000 full-time employees found only 36% take their lunch break every day, with 13% admitting it is often as little as once a week
Over half of Britain's workforce are skipping their lunch breaks, with many opting to munch 'al-desko' due to heavy workloads or feeling too guilty to take a pause.
A survey of 2,000 full-time workers revealed that a mere 36% manage to take their lunch break daily, and 13% confess to doing so only about once a week.
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Nearly half of those who forgo a proper break end up eating at their desks, and a staggering 59% claim they're simply too swamped with work to take time out.
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Additionally, 12% feel guilty about resting, and 24% point the finger at chatty colleagues as the reason for missing their midday respite.
Consequently, 59% find themselves battling the dreaded afternoon slump, which tends to hit hardest around 3pm.
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Caroline Hughes, marketing director at plant-based food company Gosh!, which sponsored the study, emphasised: "Lunch is a crucial opportunity to nourish your body and set you up for the afternoon".
A recent study has shed light on the lunchtime habits of Brits, revealing that taste and convenience are the main drivers behind our midday meal choices, with 59% favouring flavour and 50% opting for ease.
The research also highlighted a worrying gap between what we know is good for us and what we actually do - although 80% understand the benefits of fibre, a mere 23% manage to eat their recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day.
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According to the findings from OnePoll.com, a whopping 79% of people consider clean ingredients when pondering their lunch options.
The study further revealed that nearly half of the respondents (49%) prepare plant-based lunches, while 60% aim for low-carb options.
An impressive 67% of those surveyed acknowledged the impact of their lunch choices on their productivity levels in the afternoon. Moreover, 42% identified a lack of concentration as a major sign of the dreaded afternoon slump.
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Nutritionist Laura Tilt, collaborating with Gosh!, emphasises the need for a proper lunch break, suggesting it takes 37 minutes to enjoy a well-rounded one.
They stated: "Brits are not great at taking lunch breaks, but a proper pause in the day can help restore energy, improve focus and reduce stress.
"As a nutritionist, I will always preach about the importance of eating a well-balanced nutritional lunch to make sure you are prepared for a productive afternoon.
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"That's why we are encouraging workers to set aside 37 minutes and reclaim their lunch to fuel their mind and body the right way."
HOW TO TAKE THE 37-MINUTE LUNCH BREAK:
20 mins to eat
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As food reaches your gut and nutrients begin to be absorbed, hormones that signal fullness to your brain starts to be released.
But this takes time - up to 20 minutes. So if you eat in a rush or while distracted (we see you, inbox), it's easy to miss those signals.
10 minutes to move
Adding 10 minutes of low-intensity movement like a full body stretch or a walk can lift your focus and mood for the afternoon ahead.
Short activity breaks are also a great way to reduce muscular tension and counteract some of the negative health effects that are linked with sitting at a desk for long periods.
Seven minutes for a mental reset / restorative activity Engaging in 5-10 minutes of a mentally restorative activity can help you and give you a mental reset before the afternoon.