In an increasingly workaholic world where overwork is the latest style trend, a 21st-century status symbol where your ‘hustle’ and drive is defined by how long you spend in the office or working remote, it’s more important than ever not to lose sight of that crucial work-life balance. Leisure and relaxation is an absolutely crucial part of ensuring wellness and making the most of life, and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the rat race and forget to de-stress.
For those of us who are living the 9-5 office life, or are even making a living as a freelancer, an easy and hugely effective way of getting some of that balance back on track is by making the most of your lunch break. For those who are lucky enough to get a whole hour, this crucial and totally deserved bit of downtime is often wasted, with many workaholics simply opting to grab a cheap sandwich and eat it at their desk.
The lunch hour can be a great time to treat yourself to some delicious and high-quality food, as well as a time to socialize, relax and make the most of the city you’re living in. Here are some top tips for making the most of your lunch break.
1. Plan in Advance
First, it’s good to plan how you want your lunch break to go in advance, that way you don’t waste any of it deciding what to do. Make reservations, or if it’s a nice day, pick your spot in a local park. If you’re bringing food from home then it’s best to do a little bit of meal prep to make sure you’re all set with a nutritious and tasty lunch. If you’re planning on eating out then do a little bit of research and see if there’s any cool restaurants or cafes near the office, and if you’re going solo then bring along a book you’ve been wanting to finish for a while.
2. Mix it up
A key part of having a fulfilling lunch break is to avoid repetition – mix it up and try out different options every day. One day you might be feeling a salad in the park, while another you might be hankering for some of the best pasta in town. Whether you feel like sitting in or ordering delivery from an Italian spot for some delicious authentic fare, keeping it varied means that the lunch hour can be something you look forward to every day of the week.
3. Keep it Social
Although it’s equally acceptable to have a quiet lunch by yourself, making a social occasion out of it is a great way to boost wellbeing and mood levels. Whether you’re planning to step out for a bite to eat with a work colleague or wanting to catch up with a friend who might work nearby, a leisurely lunch hour filled with gossip, laughs and catching up is an ideal way to keep your work-life balance in order, and make sure you head back to the office feeling refreshed and fulfilled.
If you have any tips on how to maximize your lunch hour potential, let us know in the comments!
