Summary: Get the most out of your lunch break at work by doing one or more of these 4 things.
With America’s culture of “go, go, go, achieve, achieve, achieve,” many of us don’t take advantage of the time we have at lunch and find ourselves stuffing down something while still sitting at our desk and working. What we may not realize, however, is that taking a break from your work can have huge mental benefits and actually leave you more productive in the long run. To help you get the most out of your lunch break, here are four things that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day:
- Eat mindfully. As I mentioned above, many of us scarf down our food while working or even skip lunch altogether. Lunch is so important to fueling your brain, so don’t skip it! Taking the time to step away from your desk and eat in the lunchroom or outside and really enjoy your meal can not only bring you a lot of pleasure in the middle of your day, but it can keep you from wanting as many bad for your snacks later on in the afternoon. Bonus: eating slowly improves digestion!
- Get outside! Getting a little fresh air, even if it’s freezing outside, can really perk up your senses. If the sun is shining, even better! Sunshine gives you more vitamin D, which is a great mood booster.
- Meet up with a friend. Sometimes getting away from your work and talking with someone about, well, anything else can make a big difference in your productivity. By getting your mind off of work for a half hour to an hour, you can come back refreshed and usually have a more creative mind for solving problems.
- Exercise. Whether you can fit in a workout class, do your own workout at the gym, or even just get outside for a good walk, moving your body has considerable benefits. By getting in some exercise, you get your blood flowing back to your brain and wake up your body at the same time, helping you get through that afternoon slump.
Been there, done that? If you’ve tried these things and are looking for something new to mix up your lunch break, try pampering yourself with a manicure, doing something crafty, listening to a podcast, reading a book, meditating, journaling, or do some online shopping!