If you’re guilty of working lunches, it’s time to step away from the desk. Whether you’ve got 30 minutes or an hour to spare, we rounded up a few things you can do to revitalize your productivity. Now get to work on this list!
1. Stretch
Hours of hunching over your desk can do a number on your body. Here are six pilates exercises you can do in the office to reverse the damage on your body.
2. Nap
If your companies vetoed siestas while on the clock, don’t sweat it. Studies show that even a 15 minute nap can leave you feeling refreshed. Set your timer or use this app for your phone and get a quick shuteye in the middle of your day.
3. Visit an Animal Shelter
We already know that sitting at a desk all day takes years off your life. Put those years back on by visiting a local animal shelter during your lunch break. Interacting with dogs and cats increases levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol in your brain. Plus, it helps exercise those animals while waiting for their new owners.
4. Go for a Bike Ride
Even a small amount of exercise goes a long way to lower blood pressure. Cycling is a low-impact activity that still gets blood circulating and clears the brain. Take advantage of bike-sharing programs in your city to work out.
5. Knitting
Don’t knock knitting. Taking time to knit in the middle of the day eases stress levels. The repetitive nature of knitting is soothing and increases happiness by releasing neurotransmitters called dopamine. You’ll also feel satisfied with visible progress on those days where you feel like nothing got done at work.
6. Socialize
Interacting with something or someone other than your laptop screen is really important. Socializing at work helps you problem-solve, expands your network and gives your insight into your coworkers’ personalities. You can also use this time to chat with peers in your industry.
7. Listen to Music
Music has a positive effect on creative thinking. Banish cerebral cobwebs but plugging in some headphones and listening to your favorite tunes. It doesn’t matter if you crank up Beastie Boys or Beethoven, the auditory stimulation jumpstarts your creative process. Double points for picking up an instrument and playing yourself.
8. Take a Class
Get motivated about your career by taking a class during your lunchtime. Sites like Skillshare offer courses to beef up your expertise. All that learning will leave you pumped up for the week.
9. Eat
After all, it is your lunchtime. A balanced meal of whole grains, fiber and protein will help you fight the post-lunch slump. It’s best to avoid simple carbohydrates and proteins that contain tryptophan which leave you feeling groggy.
Source: http://goo.gl/Auub8z
