There’s no denying that it’s important to take a break in the middle of the day to rest and refuel, ready for whatever the afternoon of work brings. However, there’s also something to be said for really squeezing the most out of your day as well. Of course, finding a balance is the most important, but if you’re spending a good chunk of your lunch hour scrolling mindlessly through social media, or watching endless videos of cats doing silly things, then perhaps it’s time for a bit of a shakeup. We’ve rounded up some of the best tips for injecting a bit of life into your lunch hour.
Learn a New Skill
Learning a new skill is a new year’s resolution for many of us, but so few of us actually manage it. Instead of starting off with something very difficult, like learning a whole new language, why not start with something fun and build it up. If keeping your brain active is the main aim, then learning how to play a new game can be really rewarding and won’t feel like hard work. Poker is a good option as it becomes more involved the further on you get in your learning. In the beginning, getting to know your hand rankings should be your priority, but as you improve you’ll want to start learning about pot odds and how to bluff. Online is a good place for beginners to start, as there’s no judgement from your fellow players and you can learn at your own pace. This collection of new online casinos gives a balanced view of the credentials of casino sites that are new to the online space. You’ll find information on the types of games that are available, as well as the bonuses that you can claim as a new player.
If you’re not sure that poker is really your thing, then you could try something like chess instead. Chess is similarly as good as poker as there are lots of opening moves to pore over and really commit to memory. Once you’ve got your opening moves memorised and know how best to employ them, you can move on to the more difficult parts of chess strategy. The great thing about both of these games is that as you become a better player, the game evolves with you.
Engage in Some Exercise
Some of us really benefit from getting up and moving in the middle of the day. If you’re planning on having a hearty lunch then going for a long run might not be a good idea, but gentle exercise is great. If you’re lucky enough to work near a park or green space, then getting outside and going for a walk can do wonders for your mood. Better still, try a mindfulness walk. Instead of plugging in your headphones and texting as you march along, take time to pay attention to each one of your senses in turn. Feel the breeze against your skin, hear the sound of birds chirping and you’ll feel much more grounded.
Yoga is a good option too, as the equipment that is needed is minimal and so too is the space. You can easily fit a yoga mat under most work desks and whip it out wherever you can find space. Practising in that bit of green space is extra nice, but practising in a quiet corner of the office works too. Take it slowly and start with beginners poses as you don’t want to get all sweaty for the afternoon. Concentrating on deep stretches does wonders for a body that is used to a sedentary job.
Pimp Your Desk
A small task that will bring you lots of joy over all of your working days to come is improving the look of your desk. If you work in an office then you might want to improve the air quality around your desk which is easier and more aesthetically pleasing than you might think. A couple of plants that are known for their air filtering qualities, like a peace lily, or some ivy can clean up that air and also brighten up your desk. Humans are relaxed when surrounded by greenery, which is often why you’ll see the interior of public buildings painted green. Better than a splash of green paint though, is the real thing.
Once you’ve invested in some desk plants, you could consider getting some organisation tools. An in-tray with different drawers ranked by priority is a great start, a cute pot for storing pens, pencils and other stationery and maybe a mousepad with your favourite artwork on it. These things might seem trivial, but working in a space that you find visually appealing will make your workday infinitely more pleasant.