12.30 p.m. is usually the time I leave my workstation and head to the office cafeteria for a quick lunch at my favorite table. Post-lunch, I step outside for a short walk around the office block. It's a routine I’ve been following on most workdays for nearly a decade.
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Sometimes, I utilise my lunch break to talk to colleagues, catch up on news, read a book on my tablet, listen to music or solve crosswords.
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But, of all these activities, I find taking walks to be the most rejuvenating. If it’s too hot or raining, both of which are annual occurrences in Mumbai, I walk inside the office premises or simply climb the stairs. Of course, this is possible only if you work in a large office building with spacious corridors, which I fortunately do.
Walking helps clear my mind and brings moments of calm, both in the office and elsewhere. It's become an essential part of my self-care routine. In fact, walking, even during the lunch break, offers other tangible benefits.
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â—¼ It stretches your muscles and improves circulation
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â—¼ Reduces the physical strain of sitting for long periods
â—¼ Enhances cognitive function and promotes creativity
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â—¼ Helps build a supportive network in the workplace
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â—¼ Improves social interactions in the office and elsewhere
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â—¼ Motivates you to go back to your desk feeling more energised
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â—¼ Increases productivity and job satisfaction
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â—¼ Boosts your mood and sense of well-being
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I've been walking since my adolescent years—to school and back, on little adventures with friends, through college and all my jobs, and even during transport strikes and stormy weather. Walking has been a lifeline of sorts, keeping me anchored and providing an enduring source of calm.
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Sometimes, the journey to mental health and a balanced life can begin with something as mundane as taking short walks during the lunch break.
