It’s tempting to stay at our desks during lunch breaks, especially with the constant flood of emails and work stress. However, this habit can leave us feeling drained and irritable. Research suggests that a short walk during lunch can be a simple yet effective way to recharge.
A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports involved 56 adults who were physically inactive and did less than 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Participants took a 30-minute walk during lunch, three times a week for 10 weeks. They were free to walk at their own pace. Throughout the study, researchers sent text messages asking about work-related stress, nervousness, and overall mood. These questions were sent at different points during the day—morning, before the walk, and afternoon. On some days, participants didn’t walk, allowing researchers to compare the effects of walking days to non-walking days.
The findings were clear: lunchtime walks made participants feel more energized, less tired, and less stressed. They also reported feeling better on days they walked compared to days they didn’t.
The takeaway? Spending just 30 minutes on a brisk walk during lunch can significantly improve your mood and make the workday feel more manageable.
Source:
Thøgersen‐Ntoumani C, Loughren EA, Kinnafick FE, Taylor IM, Duda JL, Fox KR. Changes in work affect in response to lunchtime walking in previously physically inactive employees: A randomized trial. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. 2015 Dec;25(6):778-87.
Print
PDF
