How do you spend your lunch break? Do you absentmindedly nibble on a sandwich while dealing with work emails? Or do you choose to skip lunch and hope that your supersized latte can hold you over until dinner time?
In the midst of a busy work day, having lunch may seem like the least important thing that one should do, but skipping a meal could lead to loss of productivity in the workplace.
“Overall, it’s really important to not skip meals,” said Jacqueline Aizen, a New York-based nutritionist (via Thrillist). “When you skip meals your blood sugar tends to drop…your brain needs glucose sugar to function well.”
If you do eat lunch every day but are wondering what else you could do for the next 30 minutes or so, here’s a list of things that you can do on your lunch break. Note that each of these things takes about 30 minutes to accomplish, and none of them are work related.
Use the time to connect with someone
Call, text or Facebook chat with a loved one or a friend. You can make plans to meet up during the weekend, or you can just catch up on what’s been going on in your lives.
Do one quick errand
You can go to the bank, pay your bills, or stop by the office supply shop if you’re running low on stationery. Don’t try to cram all your errands during your lunch hour. The trick is to accomplish one thing every day so you don’t get stressed before the end of the week.
Read
Keep an industry-related book in your desk and read a few chapters during your lunch break. You could learn new skills, decrease stress levels, and boost your vocabulary—all with one simple activity.
Take a walk
Now would be the perfect time to stretch your legs and go for a walk around the block. Even a brisk 15-minute walk counts, so ladies, make sure to bring a pair of flat shoes to work if you plan to do a bit of walking during your lunch break.
Pursue a hobby
Do a bit of calligraphy, journaling, sketching, or coloring during your lunch break. Having a hobby enables you to get your mind off work for a short period of time. Just make sure that whatever hobby you decide to pursue doesn’t require too many materials or tools, as you wouldn’t want to make a mess in your workspace.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the fashion and beauty hacks from chic working women.
