There is a lot of discussion about how schools can support pupils’ health and wellbeing, especially around lunchtime, but what does this look like for school workforces?
Many school staff members don’t take proper breaks, working straight through the day and eating at their desk. When lunch breaks aren’t prioritised, nutrition often suffers too. However, a healthy meal and a real break from work are both vitally important. Healthy lunch habits boost staff wellbeing and help teachers, classroom support staff and administrators perform to their best ability throughout the afternoon. Not to mention the benefits that are felt beyond the school day.
Start with healthy habits
When not on duty, staff members often stay in their classrooms or offices, working through lunchtime and eating at their workstation. This is detrimental for several reasons: it leads to fatigue later in the day, creates isolation between colleagues, causes more sedentary behaviour and prevents staff from consciously enjoying their meals, encouraging overeating and poorer food choices.
Staff wellbeing starts with reclaiming lunchbreaks. Try leaving your classroom or office to put space between yourself and the marking, planning, paperwork or emails which may otherwise eat up that valuable time. Focusing on our food helps us notice our body’s fullness cues and makes us less likely that to reach for unhealthy snacks. A proper rest and separation from work also invigorates staff members and improves overall productivity. Plus, embracing your lunchbreak can add positive experiences to your day. As well as eating mindfully, make an effort to socialise with colleagues or enjoy some you time by finding a quiet space to read a book or meditate.
Physical activity is another great way to disconnect from work on your lunchbreak. The most accessible option is a lunchtime stroll. Walking is an underrated form of exercise; even 10 minutes of brisk walking a day can help to build stamina, burn excess calories and improve heart health. Getting your body moving out in the fresh air provides great benefits for mental wellbeing too. Walking outdoors can instantly improve your mood, especially if you can find a little nature spot in or nearby your school’s grounds. You can combat stress by connecting with the environment and grounding yourself in what you can see, hear, feel and smell while on your walk. It’s a great activity to do on your own or share with a colleague.
Prioritise healthy eating
Just as it’s dangerous to shop when you’re hungry, leaving food choices until lunchtime is a recipe for disaster! Make a habit of planning your meals on the weekend, with a full stomach and a clear mind. Even better, meal-prepping multiple servings once or twice a week saves time and helps you stick to a healthy meal plan, however busy you are.
Preparing home-made lunches lets you control ingredients and quantities, so you know exactly what you’re eating. This means you can avoid the extra salt, fat, sugar and preservatives that are often hidden inside highly-processed foods. It also helps you to meet your nutritional needs, such as eating enough protein and getting 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out this library of NHS-recommended healthy lunch recipes.
For low-effort lunches, school dinners are a healthier alternative to off-site options like fast food or supermarket meal deals. Food served in England’s maintained schools and academies must meet exacting school food standards. To provide pupils with a healthy, balanced diet, school lunches include specified amounts of fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, dairy, meat and fish. Schools must also restrict foods which are high in fat, salt and sugar, or are highly-processed. These high standards mean that school dinners offer a balanced, nutritious, pre-made option to support staff wellbeing.
Between teaching, meetings and speaking to parents, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. It’s good to keep a water bottle with you and aim to finish it by the end of the day. In addition, try to make a habit of drinking a glass of water at lunchtime, to ensure you are properly hydrated in the middle of the working day. You might also consider swapping an afternoon cup of tea or coffee for a decaffeinated alternative, such as herbal tea, decaffeinated coffee or simply more water.
Did you know...?
Tucasi’s Dinner Money module makes it easy for school staff to benefit from healthy school lunches.
With integrated Online Payments and our free SCOPAY app, teachers, support staff and administrators can easily order and pay for meals anytime.
How school leaders can support staff wellbeing
It’s in the interest of school leadership teams to promote good nutrition and work-life balance amongst employees. Healthy habits can boost productivity and morale, and support your team’s physical and mental health.
Here are some ways to support staff wellbeing in your school:
- Communicate the importance of taking proper breaks with staff and make sure they have time in their working day to do so.
- Run a healthy eating campaign including pupils and staff, using posters, leaflets, assemblies and staff meetings to share key messages.
- Lead by example – if your SMT practice healthy habits and prioritise staff wellbeing, employees are more likely to follow.
- Encourage staff members to take up school dinners and make it easy for them with online meal ordering and payments.
- Work with your school’s catering team to ensure school meals are appealing, healthy and varied.
- Consider offering discounts or reward points for healthier choices from the school kitchen.
- Provide nutritious snacks in the staff room, like fruit, muesli and rice cakes – these could be free or sold at cost, to encourage staff participation.
- Incorporate physical activity and healthy food into teambuilding days and events, to put staff wellbeing at the heart of your school’s work culture.
