How to make the most of your lunch break
Lunch breaks are absolutely key, no matter what industry you’re in, but we often get so busy that we forgo taking a break and grab something on the go instead. Taking a lunch break is actually more important for your physical and mental health than you think. It’s a good chance to rest, reset, and fuel your body for the afternoon ahead.
To help you make the most of your lunch break and avoid fatigue and burnout, try some of these great tips.
Spend time on personal tasks
It’s easy to spend your lunch break thinking about the work you’ve already done and the work you’ve yet to do, but your lunch break is your time. To really give your brain a break from the job, switch your focus to your personal life instead. If you’ve got a personal errand to run, or a friend you’ve been meaning to message, do those things instead of worrying about work.
Refuel with healthy foods
We know, it’s not always easy to get a healthy lunch in, especially when fast food is easier and, well, faster. If you can, try to plan ahead and bring a healthy lunch that will keep you energised throughout the day, not just for an hour or so - think yoghurt, wholegrain bread, and apples. If you’re a shift worker, check out our tips for healthy eating on the job.
Power down
If you’re feeling absolutely exhausted, sometimes the best thing you can do on your lunch break is to power down for a bit. Taking a power nap helps to give you an energy boost and puts you in good stead to make it through the afternoon. Just make sure you keep it to 20 minutes or less so you won’t feel groggy when you wake up.
Focus on your breathing
Although some people are still sceptical, meditation has actually been proven to improve focus and reduce anxiety. Meditation isn’t really as difficult as you might think - simply sit somewhere quiet and focus on your breathing for about 15 minutes. If your mind drifts off, just bring it back to your breath. Try it, and you’ll instantly feel the positive effects that will get you through the rest of the day.
Move your body
You don’t need to hit the gym every lunch break, but if that’s what you prefer, that’s great! A simple walk out in the fresh air will work wonders on your concentration and overall mood - bonus points if the sun is out and you can soak in some vitamin D while you’re at it! If you work in a team, think of ways you can be active together. Maybe you could shoot some hoops at a nearby basketball court, or toss a rugby ball around in your local park.
Get some social interaction
If you mostly work by yourself or take lunch breaks on your own, getting some social interaction will be important to your mental health. Think about calling a friend for a chat, or plan to take your lunch breaks with a colleague if possible so you can connect and engage with others. Try to keep the conversation away from work so your brain can focus on something positive outside of the workplace.
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