Everyone wants to enjoy work, right? To do this, you need a powerful mindset. However, it is really difficult to have a positive work attitude if you are exhausted. You’ll have no motivation to achieve the goals for your work day if you don’t have enough energy. You can revitalize yourself by taking appropriate work breaks, especially during the lunch hour. This is a great time to get in some needed exercise, so don’t forget to pack your exercise shoes before you leave the house! Here are 10 tips to help you be more productive during your lunch hour!
Be More Productive During Your Lunch Hour!
Tip #1: Never Work Through Lunch
Whatever you do, do not work through lunch unless it is absolutely necessary. Even the brightest and sharpest mind needs a break from continuous work. Spending your lunch working, while eating at your desk, makes for a long and monotonous workday.
Tip #2: Take Your Full Hour
Take your full hour! It is called a lunch “hour”, after all! Take into consideration what you put in your body to fuel you for the rest of the day. A high-fat lunch full of carbohydrates will leave you groggy and unproductive in the afternoon hours. Why not try instead the soup, salad, and fruit bar at the local restaurant? If you eat dessert, make it a low-sugar choice as foods high in sugar content will give you a temporary energy boost, only to be followed by a crash.
Tip #3: Eat Healthier
If you are not in the habit of eating healthy, there is no better time to start than now! A healthy diet will not only help you feel better, but you will also function better in your job. A healthier you means a healthier attitude. Being healthy is a critical part of creating that powerful mindset you need to be successful at your job and all your other endeavors as well. Creating a healthy lifestyle is a great way to be more productive during your lunch hour.
Tip #4: Exercise at Lunch
Why not spend a little time getting some much-needed exercise? It will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to resume your workday. Ask a co-worker to accompany you to the local park. Bring your sack lunch. After eating, take a relaxing stroll around the park for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This is not a high-impact exercise, but it can definitely help you meet your exercise goal for the day. If you ask around, you will surely find other co-workers desiring to add exercise into their busy schedules. Take the initiative and start an exercise group. Working together will keep you all more motivated to exercise and become healthier together.
Tip #5: Visit the Library
How about some mental stimulation? If you never have time to read anymore, a trip to your local library can make for a relaxing and soothing lunch hour. Sit quietly and read your favorite book or browse through the magazine titles. This is also a great way to get some ideas for those home projects you have been meaning to get done. Not only will you be more prodcutive during your lunch hour, but you’ll be more productive wheb you have time at home as well!
Tip #6: Go to the Mall
If you are someone who really enjoys shopping, many shopping centers may be in close proximity to your office. Shopping can be a great way to get in some extra steps if you are counting them! Make sure you keep an eye on the time though, as an avid shopper can easily spend a full day at the mall! Having a little fun on your lunch hour can give you a much-needed break, leaving you energized and ready to tackle the rest of your workday.
Tip #7: Use Your Lunch Hour to Reflect
If you are feeling a little stressed and overwhelmed, why not use a lunch hour to reflect on what you truly want to accomplish? Take a healthy lunch with you, find a quiet park and a tree, and just relax. You’ll be surprised what your mind can work out on its own when you feel relaxed. Afterward, you’ll likely feel more in control of your day and ready to accomplish any task at hand!
Tip #8: Socialize
If you never have time to catch up with friends, why not invite a friend to lunch or even to accompany you on a walk through the park? Being around friends and receiving positive reinforcement is a great morale booster and a great way to be more productive!
Tip #9: Grab Time for a Podcast
If you are not the type of just walk without listening to something in your headphones, why not make your lunch hour a time to catch a great podcast? You can find some podcasts that are highly educational and get your brain stimulated to take on the rest of your day.
Tip #10: Go Grocery Shopping
Yes, grocery shopping does sound a bit like work. Surprisingly, though, it can also be quite relaxing and enjoyable, especially if you shop in a pleasant atmosphere. The great thing about this is you are getting an important errand done and also gaining a few extra steps if you are trying to get in more exercise!
Everyone needs to unwind to be their most productive, and a great time to get this accomplished is during the lunch hour break. Taking a break can energize you and leave you open to accomplishing more tasks at work, tackling new projects, and coordinating your efforts with co-workers.
