Eating Lunch Isn't Just About The Food

Maybe this makes me a bad teacher but some of my fondest memories and best stories in education haven't necessarily come from the actual teaching and coaching of kids but from eating lunch with my co-workers. Having 30 minutes or more to laugh, talk about our families, our weekend plans, or just make fun of each other do wonders for breaking up the day and keeping sane. Sure, we vent about things but very little time is spent on that. I've been fortunate to work at two schools where I found people I not only enjoyed working with but becoming friends with too. I have had periods in my career when I didn't have a good lunch crew and I can honestly say that I wasn't as good of a teacher during those times and wasn't as happy of a person. I can even credit having a good lunch group for marrying my wife......another story for another day. 

Much research has been done on the effects of laughter and overall health. It has been reported that as much as 75% of the reasons people see the doctor are stress related. You get stressed out, you don't sleep, you're tired, you're immune system breaks down, you get sick, you go to the doctor. Laughter can go a long way in lowering stress levels thus keeping you healthy and away from the doctor. I've even stayed at a job I didn't like a little longer simply because I liked the people I worked with.

So if, you're stressed, unhappy, or even hate your job, find some fun people to eat lunch with. It can change your life.

About Dave Schall: Dave has been the Head Strength
 & Conditioning Coach at Westminster Christian Academy for the past 6 years.
 He is a former Division I and Professional Soccer player and holds a Bachelor’s 
Degree in Physical Education and Health and a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology 
and Physical Education. Dave earned a Certified Strength and Conditioning
 Specialist credential in 2000. He has been married to Stephanie for 8 years and 
has a 5-year old daughter Madeline and a 2 1/2-year old son Colton.