Change Up Your Lunch Routine for a Mid-Day Refresh

Do you feel tired and lose focus as the day goes on?

A study in Science Daily has proven that breaks are proven to increase productivity. It states that “brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one’s ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods.” Let’s think about this in terms of lunch time. Many of us work through our lunch breaks thinking it’s the best way to stay focused. Why not change things up and make the most out of your lunch break? Start doing things that will leave you feeling refreshed and re-energized for the rest of your day.

Here are some ideas to use your lunch break to feel re-energized:

Get moving! Sitting at your desk for hours each day can take a toll on both your mental and physical well-being. Instead, get outside and breath in fresh air and move your body. Even if you don’t have time to go outside, get up from your desk and stretch your legs. You could even do a short online fitness class or a mini-workout, even if that means running up and down the stairs 5-10 times.

Enjoy a healthy lunch. You have enough time during your break to eat mindfully and enjoy your meal, so why are you chowing down a protein bar and a diet coke and calling it lunch? Instead, make yourself a proper meal full of nutrients that will keep you satisfied for the rest of your day. Why not prepare your lunch immediately following your dinner the night before, so you can utilize leftovers and feel prepared for the next day. During your lunch break, get away from your desk, get comfortable and really take some time to refresh your mind and your body, to increase your productivity and energy levels. If you need to rest and reset, read a book, meditate, or simply rest your eyes for a few minutes. Take the time to do something for yourself.

Connect with friends. Since many of us work from home, it isn’t easy to meet up with people, but you can still call or Facetime a friend during your lunch break to catch up. Socializing is a great way to take your mind off your challenges and destress. Why not pair your catch up with a walk? Any form of social connection will do wonders for your well-being, so don’t overthink it!

Change it up. If you’re stuck in the same routine every day, your lunch break can feel monotonous. If you always go to the same coffee or salad shop, try a different one or order a different drink or salad you haven’t tried before. Novelty adds excitement to your life and leaves you feeling refreshed and energized.

Tackle your to-do list. Completing some of your daily errands during your lunch break is a great way to leave more time for yourself in the evenings. However, don’t get stressed about how much you can get done. Instead, use it as a way to get better organized and plan the rest of your day more efficiently.

If you need some inspiration for recipes and lunch ideas, join our free Simple Healthy Recipes Facebook Group where we share simple, allergen friendly and delicious recipes. This past week we shared recipes for a simple sheet pan blueberry salmon, crispy chickpea snacks, and portobella mushroom tacos!

Upcoming Reset: Mark your calendar for the next Effortless 3-Day Reset  program which begins August 16th, where we provide delicious vegan soups and supportive coaching for you to jumpstart your healthy eating habits. If you want to avoid getting turned away, you can sign-up now to secure your spot!