Did you know that how you spend your lunch break (or don’t spend it) can be detrimental to having a successful work day? Do you ever find yourself hunched over your desk- one hand on the keyboard and one holding your turkey sandwich? You may be getting more work done in that moment but you’re setting yourself up to not do your best work the rest of the day. This results in having to fix mistakes later down the road. Taking a real lunch break will help refuel you and motivate you to push on through the rest of your busy day. I promise a REAL lunch break will not ruin your chances at that promotion you’ve been working so hard for. Try out these 4 tips and see how you are more effective in the workplace and happier come punch-time at the end of the day.
Make a plan
During your lunch break evaluate where you are and what you need to finish. You may find you have less to do then you thought. Even if you still have what feels like a million and one things, composing a check-list will help keep you focused when you return from lunch.
Run errands
Errands like going to the post office, bank or dry cleaner sometimes can’t be done any other time than during the day. While this is unfortunate, this is the perfect excuse to take a break from your workspace and get some fresh air! Turn on some tunes while you make your way to each spot to help yourself relax and re-energize. There is nothing a little Beyoncé jam-session can’t fix!
Don’t work
This should be a given but I know you’re ‘boss-babe’ self might not be able to put down the phone for an hour! Don’t check emails, answer calls, or do anything pertaining to work. Instead, check your social media or call a friend. This defeats the purpose of a lunch BREAK. This is your time to collect yourself and that won’t happen if you are still “working”.
Eat
I’m really trying to spell it our for you here. Don’t take on so many errands that you forget to eat or talk on the phone so long you barely get two bites in, EAT! You need food to get you through the day. I do recommend eating something not entirely so that you don’t want to fall into a food coma. If you find that you are struggling to get moving grab a coffee or a red bull!
Follow these 4 tips and see just how your lunch break can determine your success. Not only will you be a better worker you will be happier all day long. You will work hard in the morning knowing you get a break and work hard in the afternoon after having a break, it is a win-win! What is your favorite thing to do on your lunch break? I would love to know!
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