The dark winter months after Christmas can be difficult to navigate. It doesn’t take long for the lengthy working days and the lack of sunlight to begin to feel oppressive.
When your work is mounting up and there’s little to do outside the house, it can be tempting to power through your lunch hour. However, taking a break in the middle of the working day is incredibly important for your mental wellbeing and it’s something we should all be making time for whenever possible.
Andy Shanks, Director of Student Wellbeing, explains how beneficial it can be: “Since March 2020, a great deal has been written about wellbeing and working from home. I find it a challenge to take breaks at times, especially when things feel very busy – but even if it’s just taking my border terriers round the block for a quick walk (despite the weather!), I always feel refreshed and able to think more clearly after doing so. And I regularly have a quick chat to other people outside – which also feels positive!
“So – whatever you do, get into the habit of taking breaks – I’ve found that this gives me better perspective on issues that can seem very complex! This article provides some great information about the importance of taking a break from work.”
Putting your computer to sleep, leaving your emails as they are and staying away from screens will help you switch off. Although it can be really difficult, try to be strict with yourself. Leaving all your technology in another room and moving to a different area of your flat or house to eat for a change of scene is a good place to start.
Here are some ways you can use your lunch hour to look after yourself.
Take time to rest
Everything around us seems to be moving at such a fast pace, while we spend most of our time at home, usually in one spot. It can seem counter productive to rest when we’re not doing much, but giving yourself space to switch off is hugely important.
Take 30 minutes to curl up on the sofa with your book, or if reading isn’t your thing, listen to some music or maybe a podcast. There are several podcasts by the University community you could investigate and you can read more on this bulletin page.
It might be that you want to use the time to completely switch off. You could practice meditation or mindfulness to check in with how you’re feeling and what you need to protect your mental wellbeing. The Chaplaincy website has lots of information if you want to find out more about how to get started.
If you’d rather not spend the time on your own, you could use the time to reach out to a loved one for a catch up but try calling them rather than having another video chat.
Move your body
Although current restrictions make it difficult to get out of the house, it’s still important to move your body and get some fresh air.
If you enjoy exercising and are missing the gym, using your lunch hour to go for a run is good way to release those endorphins. If you’re not a fan of running, a short walk around the block can be just as beneficial for your mental health.
If that seems too much, why not take a cup of tea or coffee outside your front door, or stand by an open window to get some fresh air and vitamin D.
We all know that winter in Scotland can be unpredictable, so if there’s really no way to get out for a walk, try some gentle stretching instead. The Wellbeing Hub has lots of advice on how to get yourself moving.
Get creative
The last year has given us a bit more time to dedicate to our hobbies and interests. If you’re working on a project, or just enjoy immersing yourself in something a bit different, you could do this on your lunch hour too.
A good way of measuring how you’re really feeling is to write it down. Journaling is a good way to stay in touch with your mental health and last year Tracey S. Rosenberg, our Writer in Residence, shared how to start journaling in this bulletin piece. Or if you don’t want to write for yourself, you could write a letter to someone. Kitty Wheater’s Why Don’t You Write Me project looks to connect communities through letter writing and you can find out more in this bulletin piece.
Why not tap in to your artistic side and do some drawing, or crafting. The ED maker space is a group of colleagues who share their various crafting projects through Microsoft teams. Whether it’s knitting, sewing or digital drawing, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found. Read more in this bulletin piece.
Or if this all feels a bit too much, why not take some time to prepare something nice for lunch. The repetitive movements involved in cooking can be soothing, so give yourself time to make something more substantial than a quick sandwich.
Help and support
If you’re finding things difficult at the moment, you’re not alone. You can find a list of mental wellbeing resources available to all University staff in this bulletin piece.
Photography: Sam Sills