It has become increasingly apparent around many workplaces that lunch breaks are becoming shorter, and in some places even non-existent. While you may be extremely busy and it might be tempting to forgo lunch, doing so could be a big mistake. Skipping out on lunch altogether can be detrimental to your productivity and mood for the rest of the day. By taking a lunch break and other small breaks throughout the day, you will be able to concentrate much more effectively. Here are 5 things you can do on your next lunch break to make the most of it.
#1: Eat!
While this may be obvious to some, other busy people might forget the true purpose of a lunch break – to eat and give our bodies the proper nutrition they need. Fish, nuts, avocados, blueberries, carrots, and whole grains are terrific brain-powering foods your body will thank you for. It is also important not to simply shovel down food at your desk. First, this risks getting crumbs in inopportune places, such as your keyboard. It also doesn’t provide much of a mental break if you are staring at your computer monitor while you eat.
#2: Go Enjoy Nature
It may be tempting always to go to your favorite spot downtown for lunch, but doing so might cause unwanted stress by throwing in burdens like traffic and crowds. Try bringing a lunch to a park or your favorite nature spot to truly refresh your perspective and attention span. When it is nice outside, you will likely appreciate getting to spend some of your day in the beautiful outdoors.
#3: Relax
It’s hard not to think constantly of a mental checklist and what we need to be doing at all times. Make a lunch break easy on yourself – take some deep breaths to relax, and let your worries go for a while. By putting yourself in calm state, you’ll be refreshed and find it much easier to focus on tasks at hand when you return.
#4: Errands
Some of us are very quick eaters. If you have a full hour for lunch and find extra time on your hands, there are many ways to use that time to your advantage. For example, it can be a perfect time to run errands that you might not have time for in the morning or evenings, such as going to the post office or the bank. Crossing errands off your list will also give you a great feeling of accomplishment.
#5: Break Away from the Routine
Be spontaneous and mix it up! By trying out new places and activities on breaks, you might enjoy a thrill of spontaneity that has been missing from your workday. Seize the opportunity to enjoy those moments – the rest of your workday will thank you!
Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2013/09/16/16-things-you-should-do-on-your-lunch-break-every-day/2/
