A lunch break is often spent sitting, even though the body could use a change after a morning spent at a desk. A short walk in the park, taken instead of the last few minutes at the desk, can make the rest of the afternoon feel a little easier to get through. It requires neither special equipment nor much time, just a decision to head outside while there is still time left in the break.
It can help to eat a little more quickly than usual to leave time for the walk, or to plan lunch so it can be eaten after returning rather than before setting off. Some people choose to walk the same route through the park each day, which removes the need to decide where to go each time. A familiar route also makes it easier to judge how long the walk will take, so there is no risk of returning late.
Turn the walk into a habit, not an exception
A walk becomes easier to keep up when it happens at the same time each day. The body and the calendar both adjust to the rhythm, and the walk gradually becomes a natural part of the break rather than something that takes extra effort. Setting a reminder on the phone for the first few weeks can help until the habit settles in on its own.
Even a short loop through the nearest part of the park, rather than a long circuit, offers a break from the screen and a chance for some fresh air. There is no need to cover a great distance to feel the difference from a morning spent sitting still. It is more about getting up and moving than reaching any particular point.
On days with poor weather, the walk can be shortened or moved to a covered path instead of being dropped altogether. The important thing is keeping to the habit of standing up and getting outside in the middle of the day, whether that happens outdoors or under cover. A colleague who fancies joining in can also make the walk something to look forward to.
Over time, this short break becomes part of the natural rhythm of the working day, much like a coffee break or lunch itself. It requires no more planning than noticing when the break usually falls and using some of those minutes to get outside. In this way, the afternoon gets off to a fresher start without the working day becoming any longer.
