Slowing down, getting lethargic, and preparing for what seems like your winter hibernation is common practice during these cold, dark months. However, shaking up your lunch hour is one of the best ways to combat these lazy inclinations, and it really can do wonders for your productivity, creativity, and general working mood. Here are some great ideas and tips to reenergize and rejuvenate during your lunch break.
Get Outside
The number one thing is just to get out of the office. Getting outside, even as the weather starts to turn colder, will really wake you up and get your mind and body active. Trying to get as much sunshine as you can this time of the year can only be beneficial.
Exercise
We all know exercising is an important part of staying healthy, but sometimes we forget to include it into our work day. Going to the gym in the middle of the day, riding your bike, or even just taking brisk a walk around the block can really energize you, reduce stress, and keep you going throughout your afternoon.
Meet a Friend
Do you have a friend that works a couple blocks away? Why not grab lunch with them? For a change of pace, eating lunch with someone that isn’t a colleague can give you a real break from work talk and can be refreshing after a busy morning. When you come back to the office, you won’t feel worn out from talking and thinking about work all morning.
Explore
You know that park or store you walk by every day? Go check it out on your lunch break. There are plenty of spots right by your office to get your mind stimulated or take a break at. Exploring the area around your office can open yourself up to new experiences, ideas, or places you may not have even known existed before.
Go Offline
Taking a break from your computer screen can be an easy way to recharge. All that staring at screens can start to hurt your eyes after a while. Taking your mind offline by reading a book or a newspaper, meditating, or just spending time with a cup of coffee can rejuvenate a tired mind.
Whatever you do to recharge and keep yourself going till 5:00, taking a real break for your next lunch hour is important. It can help your health, improve your work, be a catalyst for a creative mind, and increase productivity.
Photo credit: Daniele Zanni via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
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