Five Things You Can Do During Lunch

Write On’s Guided Goals

While it may feel like it’s much easier to have lunch at your desk and plow through your work, and sometimes you may have no choice, there are things you can do during lunchtime that may make your day and your life easier.

1. Run an Errand. Step away from the computer screen and run a quick errand. Go to the grocery and get your non-perishables, run to the office supply store, pick up the gift you need for that party this weekend. It’ll save you from doing it at the end of your workday, and you may even enjoy seeing a bit of sunshine that is not obstructed by the office window.
2. Exercise. The obvious option is to go to the gym. However, especially since you live in sunny SoCal, you can also get in some steps by taking a power walk – or even a run – outside, to break up your day. And if you want to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful day, go for it.
3. Work on a Side Project. You know that thing you never get to work on because you are always at the office? Spend some time on it during lunch. Even if you dedicate one lunch hour a week, the time will add up, and you will start making progress.
4. Have a Lunch Meeting. Plan a weekly lunch out that can be social or business-related, or alternate between the two. Use this time for a face-to-face with a client or partner, or enjoy a long overdue catch-up with a former colleague.
5. Take a Break. You work hard, and that means it’s completely acceptable to do nothing every once in a while. Meditate, listen to music, read a book for fun, take a nap in your car, or watch something on Netflix. Just enjoy your “me” time. You will be more refreshed and ready to take on the rest of your day.

It’s not realistic to assume you can take a full non-working lunch every day of the week. Yet, if you set aside one or two days a week to do something different, you may find that shaking up your schedule makes you healthier, happier and more productive.

Debra Eckerling is the founder of WriteOnOnline.com, a website and community for writers, and author of Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Create, Write & Promote Your Blog. A Project Catalyst, Debra works with individuals and small businesses to strategize, set goals, and manage their projects.