When lunchtime rolls around, if I don’t make a conscious effort to do otherwise, I typically fall into a few bad habits: Rushing to get my lunch heated up, eating at my desk, and sitting inside on my phone or computer for the rest of the hour. I know in this day and age that it’s becoming pretty rare to have a full hour for lunch, so I’ve made an effort to be more intentional about how I spend my lunch.
It’s not just about shoving food into your face and scrolling through your Facebook feed; it’s about taking a little time in the middle of the day to recharge, unplug and motivate yourself for the rest of the day. Whether you have a few minutes or a full hour, check out my tips for making the most of your lunchtime (even – and especially – if you’re currently working from home).
How to recharge during your lunch break
Don’t eat at your desk.
Even if you’re working at home, move to another room. In the office, the break room or outdoor bench make a nice change of scenery. The move and those few extra steps can provide a change of pace that help you refocus, enjoy your lunch more, give your eyes a break from the screen and help reduce stress more than watching your inbox grow.
Take a walk.
You might not have time for a leisurely stroll, but squeeze in a little movement when you can: Go up and down the stairs. take a quick lap around your house, or make a run to your car in the parking lot. Movement during the day is crucial for your overall health and can help wake you up just as much as reaching for that extra cup of coffee.
Stretch.
Sitting or even standing all day can leave your muscles tight and sore. A few simple stretches, whether it’s a full-body routine or just some neck rolls, can help you feel refreshed and ready to work.
Unplug.
Find a magazine or book to enjoy during your lunch break and treat yourself to some screenless time. If you can, challenge yourself to making your entire lunch break an electronic-free time.
Talk to someone.
Plan a Zoom call or spend some time sitting at a picnic table with a coworker if it’s nice out. Even a few minutes of chatting can put you in a better frame of mind and help you connect with the people you work with. Don’t limit it to the people you always work with – invite people you’d like to get to know better, too.
Reflect.
Close your eyes, sit back and relax for a moment. Think about something you’re looking forward to doing this evening, or a good memory from the previous weekend. Simply taking a moment to press pause can be a great idea for your mental health and can help you recharge for the rest of the day.
How do you like to spend your lunch break? Share with us below!
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