15 minutes of exercise increases life expectancy

15 minutes of exercise in the lunch break against Schnitzelkoma

18/02/2014

Anyone who finds time to move 15 minutes during their lunch break not only increases their concentration and well-being, but according to recent studies also their life expectancy. Experts recommend to use the time, in order to become active against the so-called "Schnitzelkoma".

15 minutes normal daily exercise
Already a quarter of an hour of exercise in the lunch break not only increases concentration and well-being, according to recent studies, even life expectancy. This was pointed out by the German Society for Sports Medicine and Prevention (DGSP). A large study from Taiwan with more than 400,000 participants has shown that 15 minutes of normal daily exercise are sufficient to significantly increase life expectancy compared to non-active persons. So far, a minimum of half an hour a day has been standard. The effects are even better when the tempo is increased.

Lunch break offers itself to the movement
According to the DGSP even small, only proactively actively covered working paths such as the footpath to the bus or the bike to the station prevent overweight and fat and sugar increase. Fit also holds when you use the stairs instead of the elevator. It is also advisable to use time of day that facilitates the automatic integration of these ranges of movement into everyday life. In many companies, the lunch break is ideal for this, as it usually leaves plenty of time in addition to the food to integrate effective movement content. In this context, group offers for the active design of the lunch break, company-owned gyms or nearby green areas are helpful.

Active against schnitzel coma
There is also some movement during the break to be active against the tiredness after lunch, the so-called Schnitzelkoma. On the other hand, the best remedy would actually be a ten-minute nap, but most bosses do not like to see slumbering employees in the workplace. The Schnitzelkoma arises when the stomach needs a lot of blood to work after eating in order to cope with the ingested food. This lowers the blood pressure and the typical tiredness occurs. Those who have difficulty concentrating after lunch should try coordination exercises. For example, it can help to keep the balance on one leg for a minute against the Schnitzel coma. Or alternatively to balance on a tree trunk or sidewalk edge. As the DGSP announced, both stimulate the brain cells. „But even simple movement elements such as small finger games or balance exercises can be well integrated into the lunch break“, the sports doctors say. Immediately afterwards you can feel the reward: concentration, well-being and complacency are increased sustainably.

Walk in the fresh air
If there is more time left over during the lunch break, you can take a 15-minute walk in the fresh air, because daylight and oxygen make you awake and make you feel better and more receptive again. In addition, thanks to UV light, the body emits less of the sleep hormone melatonin. It is not advisable to skip the lunch break, because those who are quick to snatch something down, tend to take in larger quantities than necessary under stress. In addition, the performance decreases steadily over the afternoon. It is also useful to have a healthy diet. High-fat food, carbohydrates and large portions burden the body. Therefore, rather smaller quantities and light meals are advised. In addition, if you have a good breakfast, not only increases mental performance, but also avoids food cravings during the lunch break. (Sb)