*Ring ring ring* goes the imaginary lunch bell. It’s time to eat! It’s also time for a much-needed break. While many of us can become accustomed to eating at our desks or convening at the staff kitchens, there are many more things to do during your lunch break. Here are a couple suggestions from your colleagues downstairs.

Sports Drop-In

UBC offers many amenities for staff and students. As staff, take advantage of the Student Recreation Centre’s sports drop-in times for free! All you need to do is show your UBC ID staff card at the front desk. Enjoy badminton and basketball Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Volleyball and basketball is available Tuesdays and Thursdays. Don’t have a racket or your own Michael B. Jordan signed basketball? Not a problem! Trade your UBC staff card at the front desk for a short rental of the equipment! Always make sure to check the drop-in schedule before you make plans though as the gym is often used for events, intramurals, and exams. So go for a short walk to the SRC and have a ball (or birdie)!

Stairway to the BEST BREAK EVER

Unevenly spaced steps leading towards a beach shrouded by forest. No, this is not a post-Halloween short story. It’s your next lunch break idea! Try the Wreck Beach Stairs – Trail #6 and tackle its 500 wooden steps to get to one of the prime beach locations at University Boulevard and NW Marine Drive. Feeling adventurous? Try the slightly longer Tower Beach Stairs – Trail #3 at Chancellor Boulevard and NW Marine Drive. Note for the faint-hearted, Wreck Beach is a clothing-optional beach, so mind your eyes when you get to the bottom! The trek is a beautiful experience with the forest on both sides. If you’re lucky, you might even see an owl! If that’s not enough to sway you, see the below facts on stair climbing for an extra boost.

  • Stair climbing requires 8-9 times more energy expenditure than sitting. It counts as ‘vigorous’ physical activity and burns more calories per minute than jogging.
  • You burn roughly 1.5 calories for every 10 steps.
  • For buildings with five floors or less, it’s nearly always quicker to take the stairs.
  • Studies show office workers save up to 15 minutes a day by taking the stairs.
  • Stair climbing cuts carbon emissions. You could save between 0.3 & 0.6Kg of CO2/day.
  • It can lead to improved cardiovascular health, stronger joints and muscles.

Walkabout

Have a walkabout.

Toonie Swim

Visit UBC’s Aquatic Centre for some lunchtime swim time for only the cost of a Toonie! Staff and faculty can swim laps at the competition pool on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30-13:30. You can also enjoy access to the steam room, sauna, and hot tub areas. All you need is to show your current UBC staff ID card at the front desk.