Work Out
Fitting in exercise wherever you can is the best way to keep healthy. There are plenty of exercises you can do to keep in shape such as crunches, press-ups, sit-ups and planks that don’t require any equipment and can be done using whatever space you find around you. A lunch hour is your perfect time to spend exercising, especially if you don’t want to lug yourself all the way to the gym after work. Exercise is also proven to release endorphins and so when you exercise you feel good and remain productive in the afternoon, keeping your body and your boss very happy.
Listen to a Podcast
Podcasts are a brilliant way to keep your mind busy and refreshed in a way that also requires little concentration. Listening to music may work for some and it can fire you up or calm you down depending on what you listen to but podcasts can be informative and educational or entertaining and silly and also don’t require you to use our eyes like you would if you were watching television. There are so many on different topics, and a bit like a modern book on tape, you can learn passively, all while performing other tasks.
Call a Loved One
Everyone makes phone calls during lunchtime; it’s often a good part of the day that frees you up to do so. Now, although business calls are the priority in the workplace, if you do find the time make sure you connect with someone you care about. It’s a good reminder of the work-life balance you are probably striving to keep in harmony. It’s also a nice thing to do that doesn’t directly benefit you and can remind someone that you love them. Use your lunch hour to make someone’s day and feel great about yourself as a result.
Power Nap
Napping is a dangerous practice because you can wake up refreshed 20 minutes later or you can wake up feeling like someone dropped a piano on you a full 8 hours later. Learn to exercise some caution when you nap because it can easily turn into a full nights (day’s) sleep. Get an alarm on your phone that doesn’t make you want to rip your hair out and try relaxing and settling in for a good ten minutes of golden sleep. Make sure your office is napper friendly before you do this and don’t do it anywhere to public like the park for obvious reasons.
Shopping
This can be basically anything. If there is a birthday coming up and you need a card or a prezzie then this may be your opportunity to get a good one. Even more basic and practical, have a think about what you don’t have in at home and try and do a mini-food shop. Make sure you have somewhere besides your office cubicle to keep your perishable goods though.