Have you fallen out of love with your lunchbreak?

When was the last time you took the full hour you’re legally entitled to? Recent research suggests that the average worker in Britain takes just 34 minutes for their lunchbreak. If you’re one of those workers, or you regularly skip lunch, you could be missing out on up to 240 hours of your own time each year.

STOP! You need a break.

What could you do in that time?

We think you should fall back in love with your lunchbreak, and use that time to do something for you. No more hurriedly munching a sweaty pre-packaged sandwich in front of your laptop. In the UK we work the longest hours out of the whole of the rest of Europe, it’s time to claim some of your free time back and focus on you.

So what could you do with 5 hours free time each working week? We’ve put together some suggestions:

1. Go for a walk

This might seem like the most obvious lunchtime activity, but it really has some incredible benefits. Even 30 minutes brisk walking outside during your lunchbreak means you grab your daily intake of vitamin D (essential at this time of year), and you get moving. Put your phone away and take in your surroundings, you might notice something you’ve never seen before.

2. Exercise

Going to the gym or swimming pool is another obvious choice, but a great way to spend the middle of the day. The chances are you’ll feel refreshed for the afternoon, plus if you usually exercise after work (probably when it’s the last thing you feel like doing), then you’ll be home earlier. Again, 30 minutes is all you need each day.

3. Make some plans

Whether it be planning out dinners for the week, writing a to-do list or even planning your next holiday, your lunchbreak is great time to organise your personal life. You never know, you could plan your next job role!

4. Lunch al fresco

Maybe not one for winter, but if the weather is good why not take advantage of mother nature, find some green space and enjoy eating lunch in the fresh air whilst catching some rays. The natural light will do wonders for your melatonin levels ensuring your feel-good hormones are boosted before returning back to work. Why not take time out with a favourite book or magazine too and completely switch off.

5. Meet friends

Socialising at lunchtime away from the office with old or new friends may provide much needed therapy, especially if your morning hasn’t gone as expected. Head to a café or restaurant for an added midday treat and let the advice and comfort of your friends heal the hardest of working days.

6. Meditate or try a Yoga class

Try something calming, peaceful and refreshing to increase your mental clarity. Meditating or joining a yoga class once a week could give you much needed downtime and allow you to totally switch off from the events of the day. We guarantee it’ll improve your mood.

7. Learn something new

We as humans never stop learning, so why not use your lunchbreak to join an art class, learn a language or a new skill? Learning something new can trigger feelings of wellbeing and satisfaction. If you don’t fancy joining a class, you could listen to a podcast or tutorial instead.

8. Treat yourself

Why wait for the weekend to pamper yourself? Treat yourself to a new haircut, or get a 15 minute massage, or perhaps a manicure/ pedicure. You’ll come back to the office feeling fully rejuvenated.

9. Help Others

A great way to spend your lunchtime is by helping others. Volunteer once a week at a school, college or food bank, or elderly peoples home and give something back to your community. You could even use your time to Give Blood.

10. Fall in Love

If you’re single, why not use your lunchbreak for a date or to look for love on social media? If you’re attached, use the time to meet up with your partner.

With so much to fit into your lunchbreak you’ll wonder how you had time to work through it. Next time you think about skipping, take time and think about how this could impact on your health, wellbeing and workplace productivity.