If you spend more time in the office than at home or with your friends, you’re not alone. Work-life balance is difficult to achieve, and some would argue it’s impossible. If you wish you had more time to do things that make you happy or allow you to relax, don’t snooze on your lunch break. The following list will show you what’s possible when you use that time wisely.
1. Learn New Skills to Enhance Marketability
What you learn on your lunch breaks today could land you a promotion or a more lucrative job in the future. Take advantage of online learning platforms to learn new skills at your own pace.
2. Volunteer to Help Your Community
What community service organizations are in operation close to your office? Perhaps you can help stock the shelves at a nearby church food pantry a few times a week. What about getting your company’s support to start a blessing box or free library at your place of employment? There are endless ways to help your community while sacrificing nothing but a lunch break or two.
3. Burn Calories to Boost Energy
Head to a local gym for a lunchtime fitness class or sweat it out on a treadmill. Most fitness centers now offer walking tracks, strength training equipment, and personal trainers. There’s something for everyone, and midday exercise can help prevent an afternoon energy slump.
4. Train for a Race
Look for races in your local community or a nearby city. Start walking or jogging on your lunch breaks to build stamina and prepare. You don’t have to feel 100% ready to participate. Aim to do your best and improve over time. Most races allow walkers, so you don’t have to run in your work attire.
5. Meditate for Stress Relief
Meditation is the practice of focusing your awareness on the current moment. You can direct your attention to your breathing or a specified object within your field of vision. Another option is to listen to guided meditations, which you can find for free online or through apps. You can meditate for two minutes, 20 minutes, or longer. It’s a relaxing practice that can help relieve stress.
6. Read to Awaken Creativity
When was the last time you slipped away from the stress of modern life by reading an intriguing book? Whether you pick up a historical romance or get your adrenaline rushing with a bestselling thriller, you’ll relax a little and enjoy the spark of creative thinking. Thousands of books are now available in eBook format, so you don’t have to carry bulky books to work.
7. Write Blog Posts got Self-Expression
Whether you have 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or longer, lunch breaks are perfect for creative writing. Blogs allow you to talk openly about your life or subjects that stoke your passion.
8. Develop Your LinkedIn Profile for Networking
How well-connected are you in your field? If you don’t have many professional connections, you’re missing out on industry buzz and potential job offers. That’s why it’s worth your time to spend some lunch breaks building your LinkedIn profile and connecting virtually with people who share your professional interests.
Is your mind spinning with other ideas that are unique to your life? Your lunch break is the perfect time to start chasing those dreams that just never seem to fit into your busy daily life.
