Photo Credit: rachelwilkerson.com
It’s so easy to work right through the lunch break. Research has shown that skipping lunches or eating at our desks is becoming a common practice among Australian employees.
We already know it’s not good for us. We’ve probably heard that a proper lunch break is beneficial not only for our minds and bodies, but also for our performance on the job. Then why are so many of us still deprived of our midday break? Perhaps the reason is that we don’t really know how to use that time efficiently.
Here are some things you can do to add value to your lunch hour:
1. Take a real break from work
Taking a break means actively taking the time to distance yourself from anything work related.
2. Stretch and breathe
The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and stretch out the tension after being cooped up in front of your computer for some time.
3. Get up
The worst thing you can do is stay at your desk throughout your whole lunch break. A recent study from the Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute has proven that standing up to walk around once every twenty minutes can help combat weight gain.
4. Eat
Don’t skip the meal because you feel you’re too busy. Try to plan ahead so you don’t have to dedicate much time to choosing what to eat.
5. Treat yourself once in a while
Lunch can get pretty boring if you buy the same thing from the same takeaway every day. You’ll be more inclined to go take your lunch break if you’re looking forward to your meal.
6. Run errands
Take care of things that you can’t get done in the morning or evening because of standard business hours.
7. Take a class
You can learn a new language in you lunch break! Perhaps you’d like to take an art class or learn a technical skill.
8. Get pampered
A mini mani or pedi is a great way to refresh and boost your spirits in the afternoon.
9. Head to the gym
Bring your sneakers and work out gear to work and use your lunch break to break a sweat. Most gyms have shower facilities and are almost certainly within walking distance in any CBD.
10. Get your hair done
There’s nothing quite like a shampoo, cut and style to make a woman feel like a million dollars. Though it’s not a bad way for the gents to feel pampered either.
11. Go for a run
You don’t need a treadmill and gym membership to get active during your lunch hour. All you need is your running gear, some luck in the weather department and hopefully a pretty backdrop!
12. Take a nap
If your workplace allows for it, make your way to a beanbag or sofa and take a 20-minute power nap. You’ll feel so much better for it.
13. Shop
Do some shopping while you relax. It’s a great time to get the Christmas shopping list out of the way. This way, you won’t have to cut into your weekend’s schedule.
14. Go on a date
Dinner dates are great, but if your spouse/partner/friend works nearby, it makes perfect sense to set up a lunch date and catch up over a meal before heading back to work.
15. Network
The lunch hour presents a perfect opportunity for strategic relationship building. Especially if you work in the CBD, chance are some of your connections will work nearby so it’s a good time to catch up and touch bases with your contacts.
Tell OneShift how you like to spend you lunch break
-The OneShift Blog
