We’ve all been guilty of this: grabbing a quick bite to eat while sitting at our desk and watching a 20-minute episode of New Girl or while completing that urgent sales report. However, stepping away from your computer, even for a few minutes, has been known to increase productivity. If you’re looking for new (and healthy) ways to spend your lunch break, here are a few ideas you can try:
Step into the great outdoors
Whether you’re working from the comfort of home or stuck in an office, spending all day staring at your computer can leave you feeling drained. A great way to increase your vitamin D, boost your concentration, and overall well-being is to step outside and enjoy Mother Nature. Spend time breathing in some fresh air by going for a short walk or eating lunch outside.
Enjoy a workout
Working out during your lunch break (or in general) may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but getting those endorphins pumping is an excellent way to improve your mood and increase your energy levels. It’s also a great way to release any pent-up anxiety or stress you may be carrying around from the day. Head to the gym, go for a quick run or move in any way that gets those endorphins flowing.
Treat yourself to a delicious meal:
Because you deserve it! Whether you choose to try out that new restaurant close to the office or a new recipe while working from home, indulging in a delicious lunchtime meal can do wonders for your productivity and mood. We all get caught up in our day-to-day tasks that eating while multitasking becomes second nature. Try to step away from the computer and put down the electronics. Instead, savour every bite of your meal, taking your time and disconnecting from your to-do list.
Indulge in self-care
Self-care shouldn’t only include spa days and face masks. Indulging in self-care can be anything that recharges your batteries and gets you ready for the second half of the day. This can include reading a good book for 30 minutes or finding a quiet spot to meditate. Anything that gets your engines revving again.
Learn something new
Ever wanted to learn French or start reading that book that’s been sitting on your nightstand? Why not carve out a few minutes from your lunch break to try something new and expand your horizons? Not only will you gain some cool new skills, but you’ll also be stimulating your brain with something other than work.
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