Working from home has its challenges, but it also presents numerous opportunities. The plus side of working from home is that you inhabit your own space. The downside to working from home is that you can get too comfortable in your own space, and lose the distinction between work life and home life. Rather than parking your butt on the couch to watch a show during your lunch break, get more out of your lunch breaks while at home.
You have the opportunity to make your lunch break so much more than one episode of your favorite show. Some people take a different route and decide to keep working through their lunch break. It is important to make a distinction between your work and break times to maintain mental and physical health. Since some people may be working from home for an indeterminate amount of time, learn to elevate those work from home lunches.
Pump It Up
Gyms aren’t open everywhere, so what better way to break up your work life than with a quick at-home workout? Not only does this break up your sedentary lifestyle, but it also helps to give you a break from the screen. From yoga poses and jogging to strength training and dancing your heart out, the sky is the limit for working out on your lunch break. Exercise outside to absorb some wonderful vitamin D! If getting sweaty on your lunch isn’t appealing, stretch it out so that you maintain mobility and decrease tightness from sitting all day.
Go Outside
It’s easy to get antsy, worked up, or even claustrophobic when you are in your house all day every day. Break up the routine by going outside on your lunch. Not only does this help you absorb immune-boosting vitamin D, but it also helps reduce stress levels. A walk around the block involves fresh air and sunshine, two things that contribute to a balanced mental state. You may also find that a lunchtime walk improves your focus when you return from your break.
Take A Power Nap
Some people can’t lay their head to rest in the middle of the day, but others find that it contributes to more productivity. Make sure that you only nap for 20-30 minutes, as anything longer can make you groggy for the rest of the day. The rules of power napping are:
- Don’t change into your PJs
- Don’t crawl into bed and get cozy under the covers
- Only nap where you don’t sleep at night (the sofa, day bed, or comfy chair)
- Close the curtains, dim the lights, and set a timer to wake up
Meditate
Exercising and venturing outside the house can help you unplug from work life, but sometimes meditation is the right activity to recharge the batteries. It’s always beneficial to incorporate mindfulness into your daily life, and this is easily done through meditation. You can use guided meditation or you can sit in a quiet, comfortable area of your home and meditate for 10-20 minutes. Try to focus on your breath and let your thoughts wash in and out like waves on a beach.
Step Away From The Desk
At the bare minimum, please leave your workspace during your lunch break at home. Go cook yourself a nice meal, since you have that luxury, or make your way to a lounge chair and open a book. Stepping away from the workspace helps you clear your head, creating balance in your life. If you can step away from your workspace and incorporate some of the tips mentioned in this article, that’s even better.
