HOW TO FIND TIME TO EAT LUNCH BEFORE DISMISSAL

Finding time to eat lunch during the work day can be a challenge for school leaders. With a busy schedule filled with meetings, phone calls, paperwork, and pop-up crises  it can be easy to forget about taking a break to nourish your body. However, taking the time to eat a healthy meal can actually increase productivity and help you stay focused throughout the day. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips for school leaders to find time to eat lunch.

1. Schedule it in

One of the easiest ways to make sure you have time to eat lunch is to schedule it in. This might mean blocking off 30 minutes on your calendar each day or setting a reminder on your phone. Treat it like any other important meeting or task on your to-do list.

2. Bring your lunch from home

Bringing your lunch from home can save you time and money, and it ensures that you'll have a healthy meal on hand. Consider meal prepping on the weekends so that you can grab and go during the week. You might also want to invest in a good insulated lunch bag and containers that will keep your food fresh throughout the day.

3.  Delegate tasks

As a school leader, it's important to delegate tasks to your team members. This not only helps you manage your workload, but it also gives your staff the opportunity to take on more responsibility and develop new skills. Consider delegating tasks that can be done during lunchtime, such as supervising the cafeteria or monitoring recess.

4. Eat with your students 

Eating with students in the cafeteria occasionally can be a great way to build relationships and get to know your students.  Students often ask to have their principal sit at their table for lunch.  This may be better received at the elementary and middle school levels.  Regardless, it's a great way to provide extra supervision while still fitting in time to eat. 

5. Take a break

Sometimes, the best thing you can do to find time to eat lunch is to simply take a break. Step away from your desk, turn off your phone, and take a few minutes to enjoy your meal. You'll come back to your work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

Finding time to eat lunch as a school leader is possible with a little bit of planning and prioritization. By scheduling it in, bringing your lunch from home, delegating tasks, eating with students, and taking a break, you can ensure that you're fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to perform at your best.