10 ways to feel better in your lunchtime

1 March, 2015 - 08:40pm by - First Lady | 26 Comments

Article by BR Natalie

How do you spend your lunch break? Sitting around a table avoiding awkward conversation with co-workers? At your desk, aimlessly surfing the internet and trying not to watch the clock? How often do you return to work duties feeling refreshed and good to go?

That's what we thought! At BRHQ we know that a relaxed and rested mind is far more productive than the overwrought, overworked mind. Are we guilty of working through lunch? Absolutely. But we have also sussed out ways to feel better when we do take an hour a day to escape the working day. And trust us, once you get over the 'but I don't have time' mindset, you'll find that after an hour away you return focused and energised.

Here's 10 ways to feel better in your lunch break.

Go for a walk. It doesn't matter where - green pastures may be more soothing than a concrete jungle, but just getting out of the office can have a huge positive impact on your day.
Go shopping. A workout for the body, wallet and soul. And if the wallet needs a day off, window shopping is a guilt free treat.
Go to the gym. Ever noticed how amped you feel after a work out? Imagine taking that energy back into the office! Of course you're going to want to leave enough time for a shower. #justsaying
Read a book. Books are good for the soul. And if you're one of those people that 'wishes they could read more', you'll find yourself finishing books quickly if you read just an hour a day.
Meditate. Head to a lunch time meditation class, or find somewhere to just sit and breathe by yourself.
Tackle an after-work chore. Need to go to the Post Office or pick up some groceries? Do it on your lunch break and you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon knowing you can go straight home!
Take a power nap. This is one of my ultimate re-energising tips - Try having a cup of coffee or tea before you nap, set your alarm for 20 minutes and catch some Zzzzs. You'll wake up recharged! Be warned - nap too long and it becomes less of a power nap and more of a lazy siesta you don't want to wake from.
Check out a local exhibit. Head to the local museum or a nearby art gallery and soak up some culture.
Get an express treatment. Express manis and pedis take less than an hour and we all know having perfect nails is always a boost! Or how about a blow-wave or a lunchtime facial?
Go out for lunch. Instead of sitting in the lunchroom, eating the same old-same old, why not head out to meet a friend at a nearby restaurant?

Whatever you do...take a screen break. Unless it's your Kindle or your iPod, leave any screen time until you're back in the office.

How do you spend your lunch break? Do you sit at your desk, or never leave the building? Or do you make the most of your free time?

Get chatting below!

Comments

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trudijoy

8th March, 2015

as a teacher lunchtime is a success if I manage to eat, go to the bathroom, and maybe brush my hair haha

Jesse

8th March, 2015

I work in an operating theatre so can't actually leave the theatre suite during my lunch break of 30 minutes, but I do often fit a bit of online shopping in!

MissQT

6th March, 2015

I sometimes like getting out of the office to go window shopping or browsing, especially when its a nice day.

spanna_hansen

5th March, 2015

I recently cut my lunch breaks in half in order to get more of the thing that makes the world go round, money. I like to go to the local park and chill for half an hour gives time to clear my head and think about the pressing issues in life

MrsLissy

5th March, 2015

I hardly ever stay in the office at lunchtime and I go shopping, do chores so I don't have to on my way home and go out for lunch. I get depressed and bored if I stay in the office.

tannygirl

5th March, 2015

I like these ideas. For my school lunch break I often go run any errands around the mall and window shop and price things. When it's school day with payday too, I do the shopping.

Jacinda

4th March, 2015

I love this article Natalie! Very life coachy! Time for me is super precious. When I work (teach part time) these are the days I actually get an hour free time ( unless on duty :( ) Without my 'helpers'. I love using it to go for a coffee with a friend, a walk, I have also done the shopping thing. However my favourite way to spend a lunch break is alone parked up by water having some recharge time. I might listen to a podcast or take my journal. My head is in a great place afterwards .

Nicolef

3rd March, 2015

I have a really long work day,so don't see much real light. So to counteract that issue I try to get outside for a walk every lunch time. Just an amble around the shopping centre, (great for window shopping or shopping), or a quick power walk around the block. Or I read in the park. I also try to go out for lunch in one of the many eateries. I feel very lucky that I work somewhere close to these amenities. Doing these definitely gives me a lift to get me through the afternoon.

DianaN

3rd March, 2015

I usually do chores in my lunch break. With constant studying at uni, it feels great to actually have a break!

Shana_Banana84

3rd March, 2015

I go to my nana's for lunch to catch up with my family. Our famils is extremely close sometimes too close but I miss them too much if I don't see them once or twice a week. I might take up walking during my lunch break instead though because I am still on a mission to change my lifestyle to become a healthier version of me :)

TVu

2nd March, 2015

My lunch break is either going out for a walk, going to the gym or going out for lunch. I tend to leave the office a little late for lunch break everyday to keep my afternoon short.

ChristieMJ

2nd March, 2015

I work nights so unfortunately only 4, 5 and 7 are the only options! I take the dogs out to wee but walking around at 3am isn't fun so I make it quick. Some nights I'm lucky if I get time to sit down and gobble my 'lunch', let alone a power nap - wouldn't that be nice!