How to make the most of your lunch break at home

So far during 2020 more of us are working from home than ever before. As of the start of May, around 30% of the UK workforce had set up at their dining table, in their home office or on their sofa, according to a report from the Office for National Statistics. For a lot of us, it’s been a steep learning curve in discovering what works best for us, whether we’re juggling childcare, butting heads with a partner or flying solo and feeling the strain. 

 

When you WFH, the pressure to keep unconventional hours and always be available might be higher. A lack of face-to-face contact, reassurance and feedback from team members can lead us to think we’re not working hard enough, which doesn’t always result in the higher productivity we wanted, but in unexpected curveballs like higher stress levels, elevated anxiety, cabin fever and lack of sleep. The temptation to eat lunch at our desks (tables, sofa arms) is more present than ever, but we all know its important to take time away from our screens, now more than ever. Here are some ideas to encourage you to log off, decompress and spend that time doing something good, enjoyable or productive depending on your mood. 

If you’re usually at the office, it’s not often you get the chance to rustle up something fresh and nourishing for lunch. You might have years of package sandwiches or wilting lunchbox leftovers under your belt, so if it brings you joy now’s the time to take the bull by the horns and whip up something delicious. Evidence shows that the practice of Mindful Eating, taking the time to acknowledge, enjoy and savour our food can help us listen in to our biological and emotional cues. 

 

Better yet, if you can coordinate breaks and spend time eating with a partner or flatmate, you’ll be full of the warm and fuzzies by the time you get back to your desk. Snap a pic, upload it to Insta or share it with your mum and friends – you might just hone a new skill and find new favourites while taking valuable time out. 

 

Try it: These recipes from bon appétit magazine are fast, nutritious, varied and delicious. 

If it floats your boat, use your down time to get active. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that exercise gives you endorphins, which will help pave your way to a harmonious and productive afternoon at work. This is just for you, so something as simple as popping to the park to walk your dog (two birds, one stone!) could be all you need. Other alternatives you could try include a quick 30-minute jog, a few sets of kettlebell reps or a mindful yoga session. Work out what makes you feel good and helps blow off steam and start from there. If it adds pressure or stress, leave it out. This is all about making you feel great before you log back on.

 

Try it: Yoga with Adriene has become an internet sensation with her series of quick, efficient and free stretch sessions for all abilities.

Particularly if you don’t work in a creative job, you might find that ploughing your lunchbreak into a new project is something relaxing and fulfilling to do while you munch your sandwich and take a breather. 

 

Lockdown has seen a rise in uptake for home baking, weaving and even Paint By Numbers, but you shouldn’t feel limited. If there’s anything you’ve felt tempted by in the past, now’s the time to dive in. From embroidery to journaling, a creative outlet can ease stress and take your mind off pressing issues, proving even more restful than a 30-minute nap or meditation. Chronical your progress or keep it just for you – there’s no pressure. 

 

Try it: We love Drawing Hands on YouTube for a step by step breakdown of how she creates stunning portraits of recognisable characters. Pick up some tips while you play with your pencils!

Realistically, however you spend your lunchbreak is completely up to you. If what you need is to take the long shower you didn’t get time for this morning, or to have a half an hour nap because the new circumstances you’re experiencing are wearing you out, do it. Your boss (if they knew about it!) would probably thank you. 

 

For some, doing household chores like prepping dinner or putting a load of washing on might free up time during another part of the day that could then be better spent chatting with family or reading a book. For others, a half an hour episode of something light on Netflix is everything you need to rejuvenate you for that budget meeting this afternoon has in store. Taking time to tune into what you need can help improve your productivity, your new, remote relationships with co-workers and your happiness.