Lunchtime. This midday meal period is often the least comfortable and respected, unlike its companions breakfast and dinner. For many people, the lunch hour is often spent catching up on pesky emails, what friends are doing on Facebook, and running off to do a few errands in between wolfing down a quick sandwich. Not that there is anything wrong with that. However, it is likely this is the one hour in your day when the only person you need to care for is yourself. And you need not feel guilty for taking this break. According to a study at the University of Toronto, people who were given choices on how to spend their lunch hours ended up with more energy the rest of the day.
Here are 6 of our favorite tips on how to take back your midday respite and nourish your body and soul along the way.
1.Go for a walk. Not just any kind of walk, but rather, a walking meditation. Inhale after one step and exhale after the second step, gradually increasing as you go.
2.Be a tourist. Wander off to a new street, set foot inside a cute souvenir shop. The act of exploring new things and places in your neighborhood for the fun of it is a great way to ease the day’s stress.
3.Get crafty. Take out those scrapbooks you have been meaning to finish. Get your hands moving with needlework. Sign up for a midday art class and let your creativity soar.
4.Help others. Give a little of your time for someone. Be the go-to person for the mid-afternoon latte run at the office. Volunteer to read stories in a classroom.
5.Feel the music. Get the feet tapping and body moving to the beat of a new song. Psychologists have found this energy-inducing activity can have a profound effect on how you view the world. Just be choosy about what you listen to: pick-me-up songs never fail to make you feel good.
6.Make it a date. Who says you need to spend your lunch hour alone? Strengthen your social bonds and up your happiness level by regularly scheduling midday plans with friends. Another bonus? Having deep conversations with others leads to a greater sense of well-being.
Thanks for allowing us to share some inspiration and beat lunchtime boredom to the ground. Save the must-dos and the mundane for the pros; this hour is your time to take care of you. If you have any other fun ideas to add to our list, please feel free to share them with us.
Image credit: Kamil Kantarcolu
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