Chew on this: The traditional "lunch hour" seems to be going the way of the dinosaur. According to a new national survey by our company, senior executives say their typical lunch break is now just 35 minutes, down from 42 minutes in 2003. Moreover, respondents work through lunch three days a week on average.

Given that higher-ups tend to set the example for their employees, it's likely that you also frequently dine at your desk. While this means you rarely miss a call or impromptu meeting, there are significant downsides. After all, feeling chained to your chair can lead to burnout and stress -- not to mention crumbs in your keyboard.

Here are some healthy tips and tactics for making the most of the shrinking lunch break:

Become a morning person. When planning your day, set a few early goals for yourself. In addition to your daily to-do list, consider creating a "to-do by noon" list, for instance. Meeting these deadlines will give you a sense of relief and accomplishment, setting the stage for a more relaxing and enjoyable lunch.

Don't pile up peoples' plates. In today's decentralized business environment, some of your coworkers and clients are likely spread across the country or various continents. When arranging calls or videoconferences with people in different time zones, try to work around the lunch hours of all involved. If you are considerate of others' lunch schedules, they'll likely return the favor and accommodate yours.

Seek a change of scenery. During peak workload periods, it's difficult to escape to your favorite sandwich shop. If you don't have time to leave the office, at least step away from your workspace and eat in the lunchroom or break area. Even taking a quick walk outside can help clear your head. And if you absolutely must stay close to your computer or phone, roll your chair away from your desk for a short time and focus on a non-work activity such as reading a magazine or completing a crossword puzzle.

Finally, remember that the lunch break is not just about eating. It's also an important time to recharge and socialize, both of which are essential to maintaining morale and perspective. If you work in a fast-moving environment where group lunch outings are few and far between, find other times to socialize with colleagues.

Put simply, make a concerted effort to catch up and build rapport with fellow team members -- even if it's during trips to the vending machine.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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