7 Ways to Make the Most of Your Lunch Break

Do you find yourself working through lunch regularly, or, on the rare occasions when you do have lunch, it's in the form of a depressing sandwich at your desk while reading emails and chipping away at your mountain of work?

You might not realise it, but depriving yourself of proper breaks and healthy nourishment has an adverse effect on your productivity (not to mention on your long-term health). Your brain needs energy and regular intervals of rest to perform at optimum levels. It's especially important during busy periods, as that's when you need to be extra productive to cope with the added workload.

Work hard, yes, but don't forget to work smart too. Not sure where to start? Here are 6 simple ways to make the most of your lunch break:

1. Take a Proper Lunch Break

This might sound obvious, but the fact that so many people don't do it makes it a point worth reiterating. Feed yourself a healthy meal, away from your desk (going out of the office would be best). By treating your eyes to a change of scenery, your mind gets to disengage and recharge. When you return to your desk after lunch, you can tackle your workload with a different perspective and renewed vigour.

2. Go on a Mini Exploration

Take a little jaunt through your city. Discover a new cafe or hidden architectural gems off the beaten track. If nothing else, going for a walk and enjoying the view of your city will refresh your mind. The exercise will also lift your spirits and leave you feeling more energized. And who knows what surprises you might discover on your mini exploration.

3. Talk About Anything but Work During Lunch

If you're having lunch with colleagues, make a pact with them to talk about anything under the sun, as long as it isn't work-related. How often have we found ourselves pulled into work discussions over lunch, debating the same issues over and over again just to return to work feeling even more stressed?

4. Spend that Hour on Yourself

You work hard. You deserve an hour of "me time" during your lunch break. Read a book, listen to music, write on your blog, or simply reflect on life—do whatever it is your little heart desires. It's so easy to forget to be kind to ourselves in the chaos of life. If you're a parent, you will probably appreciate this hour of "me time" much more than the singletons.

5. Have a Picnic at the Park

If you work close to a park, why not treat yourself to a little picnic in nature? Enjoy your lunch while you feast your eyes on the sprawling green horizon before you. Feel the gentle breeze across your face, inhale the fresh air and enjoy the melodic chirping of birds in the trees. You will return to work feeling much more alive and grateful for the beautiful earth we've been blessed with.

6. Mull Over Work Problems in a Different Setting

Maybe you've been struggling with a work problem and failing to find a solution. Getting away from the office for an hour and mulling it over in a different setting, away from the busy work environment might help you see things from a different perspective. People watching can also inspire ideas and help you gain clarity.

7. Explore New Possibilities on JobStreet

Perhaps work isn't quite working out for you here. You might find yourself wanting to take longer lunch breaks and dragging your feet when it is time to get back to the grind. If so, this might mean that you need a change of pace—a new job perhaps. So why not check out new possibilities on JobStreet? Even if there isn't a job that catches your interest today, a new opportunity might spring up the next day. It never hurts to check.

How do you usually spend your lunch break? Do you spend enough time recharging? How about checking out our Career Advice page for interesting work tips and tricks.