Ahh the lunch break, that wonderful hour of the day. When the world is filled with boundless opportunity. You can do anything you like... provided it only takes 60 minutes. Wherever your imagination takes you during this invaluable hour, we're here to give you a selection of our favourite lunch time health busting tips!
OK, maybe we over sold the article, we just want you to get the most out of your lunch break. After all, it only comes once a day! So here we go...
1. Sing a song!
Come on, don't look at us like that. Singing provides a massive boost to our well being.
Chair of Musical Education at the University of London, Professor Graham Welch praises the benefits of singing for your physique. Welch explains that this is due to singing being “an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.”
On the psychological side of things, Welch claims that singing has a “positive effect in reducing stress levels".
So there you have it, a real smart person agrees with us, so now you have to do it. But let’s be serious though, we're not asking you to perform Ave Maria for the office. Just have a sing-song when you found yourself alone for your lunch break.
2. Walk!
Now we've only recently heard of this new fad called exercise and we think it may catch on. So to be safe we're going to add this in. There has been a lot of research recently about the dangers of sitting for too long. The benefits of leading a more active life are many and the reminders of this are constant. If you are one of the lucky people of this world who sit at a desk all day, get up and doing some walking! Taking a stroll around the office is good but going out and getting fresh air is much better.
Going for a 10-30 minute walk on your break is the ultimate lunchtime exercise. It doesn't cost you any money and it helps clear the mind. Juice, a company that encourages people to take charge or their own health while in work, says "there are also many psychological benefits (to exercise). These benefits include decreased stress, improved mood and increased positive well-being."
3. Try something different
We know it sounds scary but what's the worst that could happen? Wait, don't answer that. Eating different and healthy food adds some much needed variety to your day, and variety is always good. The food you eat does effect your productivity throughout today, no surprises there, but a lot of people are unsure of what to eat. Luckily we've found this handy list, courtesy of collegemagazine.com.
4. Take a break from your screen
We know it's tempting, finally leaving the glare of your computer screen only to look at the glare of your phone screen. But answering those texts and emails, or updating your twitter page immediately after leaving the office is detrimental to your eyesight. Prolonged exposure to the glare of the screens can cause blurred vision and headaches, not to mention the long-term effects on your eyesight.
And finally, our personal favourite...
5. Just Do Nothing
Most people know the benefits of a relaxed and well rested body, but so many don't consider their overstimulated minds.
Go to a nearby park (yes we know, English weather doesn't make this a particularly attractive option) or even a quiet room. Giving yourself just 10 minutes a day to allow your mind to calm down and clear the mind will boost your productivity and reduce stress.
“A clear mind gives a feeling of fearlessness, confidence and clarity. Don’t feel guilty about taking your lunch break. It’s your time.” says therapist Ally Davies.
So there you have it folks, our favourite healthy ways to spend your precious lunch hour. Give some of these a try and tell us if they worked for you. We want you to get the absolute best out of your working day and making the most of your lunch break is an essential part of that.
Alex Brogan
Author: Sophie Davis
Writer, traveller and foodie. I write about start-ups and office space. My boss says I make a good cup of tea. I suppose that’s the most important thing.