One summer in college, I worked six jobs and over 80 hours a week. I was constantly rushing from one meeting to the next or checking my phone for incoming calls, text messages, or e-mails.
I burned out.
I didn’t realize how close to the edge of the cliff I was until I found myself falling down with increased speed and no way of knowing how to stop. I crashed. I suffered. I paid the consequences.
I told myself I only had time for 10-minute meals. I speed-ate if I ate at all. I drank while walking to save time. If I sat down for a meal, I checked my e-mail or responded to the countless text messages from my staff or co-workers that needed help.
I didn’t recognize the impact of how cutting time from seemingly-simple tasks would negatively affect my mental and physical health. By decreasing my meal time to a bare minimum, I didn’t give my head the space to process the day or tasks I was working on, or allow my body to gain the nutrients it needed. The e-mails, text messages, calls, and meetings never ended- but my capacity to deal with them did.
You see, it’s not about the lunch. It’s about taking care of yourself.
To be. To sit. To process.
We are consumed by a work culture that forces us to care for everyone except ourselves. A culture which preaches “work-life balance” yet doesn’t come with the support and push to practice such an alien exercise. We hold ourselves accountable to everyone but ourselves.
Next time you eat, I encourage you to set a 30-minute alarm on your phone and put all electronics away. I push you to focus on your meal and allow your thoughts to come in and out of your mind.
I want you to take at least thirty minutes out of your day to take care of yourself.