Are you maximizing your lunch break at work and enjoying it to the fullest? Many of us don’t realize just how important this midday break is for our mental and physical well-being; therefore, we don’t use it correctly. To recharge yourself for what’s left of the afternoon, take these tips for unwinding during your lunch break.
Meditate
Take deep breaths in and out or stare up at the ceiling for 60 seconds. Looking upward stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering blood pressure and slowing down the pace of your breath. Slow, deliberate counting will also help you clear your mind, shifting your focus away from your stressors and back to the here and now.
Relax
This may seem obvious to some, but workaholics take heed. Your lunch break is supposed to be just that—a break. Even if you’re feeling exhausted from a rough morning workload or anxious about an important afternoon meeting, don’t throw away your lunch break stressing out about it. We’re only humans, and we need time to recuperate in the middle of a busy day. Don’t check email or bring your work with you to lunch. Instead, take a walk, read a book, or do whatever you like to do to unwind.
Enjoy Your Food
The key to a good breakfast is to eat healthily, but feel free to treat yourself during your lunch break. Although you should try to stick to healthy meal options most of the time, don’t be afraid to eat something you really love once or twice a week. It’ll boost your mood and put you in better spirits than eating the same salad 5 days in a row will. Cheeseburgers, anyone?
Step Away From the Desk
Many office employees stay at their desks for lunch or work right through it. Doing this every once in a while may be necessary, but this should be a rare occurrence. Utilize your company’s breakroom or get out of the office altogether. Stepping away from your desk for half an hour or so will help put you in a better frame of mind, and you’ll work more productively when you return to your desk in the afternoon.
Chat With Coworkers
Whether it’s your office bestie or a new employee, chatting with someone over lunch can be a great way to unwind between working hours. Try not to talk too much about work, which can lead to more stress and anxiety. Lunch is an ideal time to socialize.
Get Active
Whether it’s utilizing the gym in your office or going for a walk outside on a nice day, getting yourself moving is a great way to reenergize before you head back to your desk. Of course, utilizing a standing desk while you’re working doesn’t hurt either!
Give Your Eyes a Rest
It may be tempting to get stuck in your cell phone or laptop during your lunch break, but try to avoid all screens while you’re on lunch. Not only will it help you refocus your energy on other things, but it’ll give your eyes a break and keep them from becoming too tired after staring at a computer screen the rest of the day.
Time It Right
30 to 60 minutes is the ideal amount of time for a break. Any shorter and you aren’t giving yourself enough time to regroup, but you’ll feel groggier when you return to your desk if you go any longer.
Write Down What’s Stressing You Out
Write down the thing or things that are stressing you out (work-related or otherwise), and set them aside for tomorrow. Jotting down your worries and then physically setting them aside makes it a little easier to take your mind off them, and coming back to them the next day will allow you to approach the issues with renewed vigor.
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