Make the Most of Your Lunch Hour!
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.
First, take your full hour. That is why it is called a lunch "hour." 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.
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 high-impact exercise but can definitely help you meet your exercise goal for the day.
How about some mind 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.
If you are one who really enjoys shopping, many shopping centers may be in close proximity to your office. Make sure you keep an eye on the time though, as an avid shopper can easily spend a full day in 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 work day.
Sources:
http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/The-Lunch-Hour/Detail.aspx
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MensHealthQuestions/story?id=7941491
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4179/is_20010827/ai_n11769708/
Published by Janet Hunt - Featured Contributor in Business & Finance
Janet Hunt is a freelance writing professional specializing in business and finance. She has published articles for such online publication sites as Demand Studios, Associated Content, and various other onli... View profile
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40 Comments
Post a CommentAfter I worked in an office for a few years I couldn't wait to escape, often hiking a mile for fast food just for the exercise, lol :)
I only get a quarter of an hour for my lunch breaks, but I do try to make the most of them! I find it particularly important to eat something filling and healthy, and believe it or not, a high-fat lunch can meet these qualifications. Unsaturated fats, as can be found in many kinds of nuts, are quite healthy and filling. But Saturated and particularly Trans fats should be minimized. All fats are calorie dense, however, so you'll want to stick to healthy sized portions!
I thought I commented here. Anyway, you know I lover your work - - ALL your work!
Really good ideas.
great tips, I work at a reataurant so the food is already there... :o)
Love the lunch hour...great tips:)
That's why I work p/t.
Great tips. :)
Great tips. We are charged for an hour whether or not we work through it. Your article is a good wake-up call for those of us "workoholics".
As always Janet. Your expert advice is give me pause for thought. I think I've been wasting my lunch hour. When I try and cat nap, I usually go back to work even more tired. This might have just fixed my problem. Thanks friend. :-)