"Finding time to exercise is near impossible, given my kid's schedules," Ruth says. "I have some ongoing pregnancy complications, so I definitely need to get away from my desk to avoid pain. Exercising at lunchtime is perfect."
Working part-time, Ruth enjoys just three formal lunchbreaks a week, so she uses them wisely.
"Those three lunchbreaks are golden; I savour every minute," Ruth says. "I've used them for private training sessions and to enjoy organised interdepartmental sport in my workplace (at the University of New England), pilates or yoga classes, or simply to go for a walk."
And the benefits? "I definitely work much better in the afternoon," Ruth says. "I reckon I get more done if I have a lunchbreak than if I work through lunch. I don't dilly-dally and I'm more focused; I have more energy and don't feel like I need to have a nap mid-afternoon."
Ruth says her own exercise schedule was one of the first things sacrificed in order to keep up with her energetic young family. "By the time we have collected the kids from day-care, preschool and school, we don't get home until 6pm, and then it's time for the nightly routine," Ruth says. "I used to do quite a lot of exercise but then I found myself not doing any. My lunchbreak exercise has been invaluable. And the team sports are a great way to meet people from other UNE departments and to engage with them on subjects other than work."
