Reclaiming your lunch
Taking a break at lunchtime is so important. Stepping away from your desk helps clear your head and can leave you feeling more invigorated and ready for the next task.
We asked 3 of your colleagues what they get up to on their lunch break.
Helen Crosbie, public involvement adviser, Public Involvement Programme team
Helen Crosbie, public involvement adviser, Public Involvement Programme.
Helen always makes sure she leaves the office at lunchtime. And on a Wednesday, she likes to get a bit arty.
“I love going to Art bites at Manchester Art Gallery on Wednesdays,” Helen enthuses. “It starts at 12:30pm and lasts for half an hour. Sometimes it’s run by volunteers and sometimes by a facilitator from the gallery. I’ve been going for about 5 years now.”
The format is simple. The group look at several pieces of art and talk about what they see.
Helen finds it really interesting. “You’re all trying to work out what the piece is about, the story it’s trying to tell. There’s no right or wrong answer, and everyone’s opinion is valued.”
Helen Crosbie, public involvement adviser, Public Involvement Programme.
Helen Crosbie, public involvement adviser, Public Involvement Programme.
There might be a theme connecting the pieces, or there might not. Sometimes, the artworks come from completely different periods of history. “You could be looking at pieces with 400 years between them!” Helen exclaims.
The group’s made up of people from all walks of life with different levels of knowledge. “You get a lot of regulars,” Helen explains. “There are some very well educated, insightful people who know art really well. But you also have people who don’t really know much at all – like me! - who really just go along to listen and learn.”
The atmosphere is open, friendly and welcoming. “It’s lovely,” Helen smiles. “Everyone’s welcome. I’d recommend it to anyone. You can join in the conversation as and when you want to, or just listen. You don’t need any previous knowledge or experience and the gallery really values your attendance and involvement. It’s great to be part of it.”
After feeding her inner muse, Helen often finds herself returning to work with a completely fresh perspective. “I feel like I’ve been somewhere and done something different and that’s really energising,” she beams.
For Helen, it’s all about experiencing new things. “In our day-to-day lives, you tend to see the same people, places, and things,” she says. “Art bites is all about challenging yourself with brand new ideas. It really cleanses your mental palate. And it’s great to have the chance to learn, see and connect with something new.”
There have been lots of good exhibits this year, but does Helen have any favourites?
“I really enjoyed ‘Out of the crate’, a sculpture exhibit that ran in November. Another piece I loved was an incredibly beautiful dress called ‘Widow’ by artist Susie MacMurray. It’s made from leather with adamantine pins sticking out all over it. It really gives a sense of how a widow might feel – prickly, isolated, not wanting anyone near her. It’s stunning! But I wouldn’t want to wear it. Apart from being a bit sharp, the artist used 43kg of pins in the design - so I’m not sure I could even move in it!”
‘Widow’ by Susie MacMurray.
The gallery’s very near to our Manchester office and runs lots of activities, from mindfulness to baby art sessions. And all for free, although you may need to book on some sessions. You’ll find more information on the Manchester Art Gallery website.
‘Widow’ by Susie MacMurray.
‘Widow’ by Susie MacMurray.
Jenny Craven, information specialist, information services team.
Jenny Craven, information specialist, information services team.
Jenny Craven, information specialist, information services team
Jenny Craven, information specialist, information services team.
Lunchtime is Jenny’s opportunity to get out in the fresh air.
“I just like to get away from my desk,” she smiles. “I love to go for a walk. It’s great to be able to get a bit of exercise, clear my head and think about other things other than work.”
Jenny’s been taking a walking lunch ever since she started at NICE just over 9 years ago. But it’s not something she’s always done.
“When I worked at Manchester Metropolitan University I used to go out, grab a sandwich and come back to my desk. The plan was that I’d do some non-work-related things while eating but I always ended up working. Then when I came to NICE, I decided that, as far as possible, I was going to get out of the office every day.”
And she’s kept her vow, although there are occasions when back-to -back meetings prevent her from taking a proper lunch break. But, thankfully, those days are rare.
Jenny’s route depends on the weather. “If it’s raining or really cold, I’ll visit an art gallery or museum. Sometimes I’ll walk round the shops, especially near Christmas when I need gift ideas!”
But, if the weather’s nice, Jenny prefers to be outside. There are a couple of routes she likes to take.
“There’s a nice loop that takes you by Albert Square, Lloyd Street, along Deansgate, through St Ann’s Square and then back to the office. Sometimes I head out across Trinity Bridge over the River Irwell, where the Lowry Hotel is. That’s nice in the summer. They’ve done a lot of landscaping there, so you feel like you have a bit of nature around you. Parsonage Gardens is also very pretty in the spring when all the daffodils are out.”
Trinity Bridge, over the River Irwell, Manchester.
Trinity Bridge, over the River Irwell, Manchester.
Trinity Bridge, over the River Irwell, Manchester.
Canal Street, Manchester.
Canal Street, Manchester.
But if it’s really sunny, Jenny loves Canal Street.
“In the summer, everyone’s out socialising there. It feels like you’re on holiday! I walk the whole length of Canal Street, round Sackville Gardens, down towards the University of Manchester and then back up Canal Street again.”
Canal Street, Manchester.
For Jenny, it’s the best way to take a break.
“It just really clears my head, especially if I’ve had an intense morning. And I’m much more productive when I get back to the office.”
So, does Jenny have any top tips for wannabe walkers?
“Plan a bit of a route so you have a bit of direction and purpose,” she advises. “Take notice of what’s going on around you. I’ve often come across events and mini festivals that I didn’t even realise were on! Try slightly different routes each time as well. I discovered Trinity Bridge one day just by heading out that little bit further, and that was a nice surprise. And if you’re in our London office, you should definitely go for a walk around St James’s Park. It’s beautiful there.”
Jenny also recommends the guided historical walks that are run as part of Healthy Work Week. “I did it last year and it was brilliant! It’s a fun way to learn about the city and have some exercise at the same time. There’s also a Manchester office walking group that goes out once a month, so definitely give that a try. You can contact Angela Wallace, communications executive, for more information.”
The Greater Manchester Walking and Walk London websites have lots of information and tips for anyone who wants to start stepping out. And don't forget to let us know how you get on!
Emmanuel Lacharme, scientific advice intern, scientific advice team
Emmanuel Lacharme, scientific advice intern, scientific advice team.
For Emmanuel, lunchtime is all about connecting with people.
“I come from Paris, France, and only moved to the UK recently. Working through your lunch break seems to be part of the culture here. I was surprised - it’s definitely not what I’m used to!”
The social side of lunchtime is really important to Emmanuel.
“In France, lunch is an opportunity for people to get together,” he explains. “When I first asked people to come out to lunch with me, most people said they were just going to buy a sandwich to eat at their desks.”
Emmanuel Lacharme, scientific advice intern, scientific advice team.
Emmanuel Lacharme, scientific advice intern, scientific advice team.
Eating lunch at your desk isn't much fun.
Eating lunch at your desk isn't much fun.
But Emmanuel didn’t give up!
“I kept asking and, little by little, I managed to gather a few people,” he beams. “It’s just really nice to take a proper lunch break, with a hot meal, a dessert and a coffee. It’s about taking the time to talk to people.”
Eating lunch at your desk isn't much fun.
Having a sociable break is easy to fit into your day – if you give it a chance.
“The people I’ve persuaded to come out for lunch with me have really enjoyed it,” he smiles. “It’s such a simple thing.”
Taking a proper lunch break helps Emmanuel measure out and plan his day.
“It breaks my working day up into 3 clear parts: morning, lunch time and afternoon. Then I divide my morning and afternoon into ‘sprints’. I’ll plan sprints to work on this project in the morning, and that project in the afternoon. It helps me manage my time better so I can be more productive. And I’m so much fresher in the afternoon after a proper break.”
As a newbie, not just to NICE but to the UK, getting to know people is something Emmanuel really enjoys. So, lunch isn’t just about eating and feeling fed.
“It’s about communication, connection, talking,” he emphasises. “Lunchtime is the perfect time to make friends and meet people. I love chatting to my colleagues. Caroline Bregman eats with me a lot - we're definitely lunch buddies! Pilar Pinilla-Dominguez, Emma Kent, Juliet Kenny, Dalia Dawood, Emily Crowe, Jeanette Kusel and Seamus Kent have all joined me for lunch at some point too. It's really nice to have a mix of people from different teams.”
And he has this message for anyone who’s thinking of giving it a go themselves.
“Just try it! Find someone, or a group of people, and ask them to lunch. You’ll really enjoy it!”
Do you do anything different on your lunch break? Let us know.
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