Overworked and tired? Burnout and work-related stress are rising, with some 17 million absence days being taken in 2024, just in the UK alone, due to stress and anxiety. Looking after and prioritising your inner peace and mental health has never been more important.
You see, we all need that midday reset to power through the rest of the day. Whether you’re looking to unwind, recharge, or indulge in something a little exciting, your lunch break is the ideal opportunity to put those ever-looming work deadlines on the back burner and chill.
Here are 10 fun and creative ways to take a break, boost your mood, and come back feeling ready to tackle whatever the rest of the day has in store!
1. Take a Walk with a Twist
We all know the well-founded benefits of getting outside to get a breath of fresh air, but why not make it a bit more interesting? Try a mindful walk where you focus on your surroundings; notice the colours, sounds, and scents around you.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try taking a different route to work or walking through an area you’ve never explored before. Alternatively, you could make it a scavenger hunt! Challenge yourself to find certain things, like the first dog wearing a jumper.
It’s playful, and let us be honest, it’s a tad childish, but it does help to switch up your routine and gives a certain sense of satisfaction for sure. You could even mix in a bit of photography, snapping pictures of interesting things you find during your stroll.
Sharing dogs-in-jumpers-photos is always going to be a hit when you get back to the office, too.
2. Tune Into a Podcast with a Cuppa
Podcasts are fantastic for killing time, but instead of just sitting down and listening, why not turn them into a little ritual? Make yourself a warm cup of tea or coffee, then sit back and enjoy a podcast that matches your mood.
Whether it’s a light-hearted comedy show like Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, a true crime mystery such as Mortem, or a motivational chat like TED Talks Daily, the tea-and-podcast combo is a small but meaningful luxury that can feel like a mini escape. It’s a great way to give your brain a break without completely zoning out.
If you’re a foodie, consider listening to food-related podcasts like Table Manners with Jessie Ware or cooking tips while you prepare your lunch and tea for later on. You might get some new ideas for meals, and the chatter can help you feel more connected to the food world: Definitely a lovely distraction from the daily grind.
3. Take a Punt
If you’re craving a little excitement, why not dabble in some betting during your lunch break? You don’t have to go all in on sports betting. Many online platforms offer free bets, sign-up bonuses, and promos, which are perfect if you’re looking to try something new without risking too much. Cashback offers may also be attractive as the bookmaker returns a percentage of your losing bets within a certain time frame, e.g., some betting sites not signed up to GamStop might offer weekly 2% cashback (source: https://casinobeats.com/uk/betting-sites/non-gamstop-betting-sites/).
You could bet on anything from reality TV outcomes, like who will win the latest season of Britain’s Got Talent, to who will have the next Royal Baby. It’s an enjoyable way to mix things up, and who knows, you might even score a small win to treat yourself to something special.
To add an extra layer of fun, why not invite a friend to join you in your betting mini-session? A little friendly competition over who can pick the best odds can make it even more exciting. Just make sure you’re not gambling more than you’re willing to lose and always make use of those handy free bets and sign-up offers.
4. Power Nap Your Way to a Productive Afternoon
We’ve all heard of the power of a good nap, but it’s not just about catching up on sleep. A quick 10-20 minute nap can boost your energy and creativity, making you feel like a new person.
If you’ve got a quiet space, lie back and close your eyes for a few minutes. Let your mind wander and zone out from the usual stresses. Just make sure you set an alarm so you don’t accidentally slip into a deep sleep, which could leave you groggy and disoriented.
If you don’t have a space to rest, try lying down on the floor or even sitting back in your chair. A quick “reset” nap can work wonders even in an office chair – it’s all about allowing your body and mind to relax for just a few minutes.
5. Treat Yourself to a Virtual Lunch Date
Eating alone can sometimes feel a bit lonely, especially if you’ve been stuck at your desk all day or you WFH. Why not turn your lunch into a virtual lunch date? Call up a friend or family member and enjoy your meal together, even if it’s just over a video chat. It’s a super fun way to reconnect with someone and add a little social “pop” to your break. Plus, you can share your meal and talk about something other than work, which can give you a much-needed mental break.
Virtual lunch dates can also be an excellent way to combat the isolation that sometimes comes with working from home. Grab your lunch, fire up your laptop, and you’ve got yourself an instant social break that’s fun and lighthearted.
6. Tap Into Your Creative Side – Even for Just 15 Minutes
OK, yes, lunch breaks are often seen as a time to switch off, but they can also be a great opportunity to explore your creative side. It can be anything: Journaling, sketching, or trying your hand at something new. Whatever you decide on, using just 15 minutes to create can work wonders for your mental clarity.
For example, you could start a daily doodle challenge, write a short poem, or even experiment with a new recipe. Engaging in something creative not only provides a sense of accomplishment, but it also lets you express your thoughts and emotions in a fun, fulfilling and healthy way.
If you’re not sure where to start, though, try an activity that doesn’t require too much effort. For instance, you could create a vision board using magazines or Pinterest (remember that?) or get crafty by making a simple DIY project using materials you already have at home.
7. Get Your Endorphins Pumping with a Quick Workout
Exercise doesn’t have to be a full hour at the gym. A quick 10–15-minute workout can do wonders for your energy levels. Try some quick stretching, yoga, or even a set of squats and lunges in your living room or office. There are tons of fast workout routines on YouTube that don’t require any equipment and can be done in just a few minutes. The burst of endorphins you get will lift your mood and make you feel more alert for the rest of your afternoon.
If you’re feeling a little more energetic, you could do a quick dance routine to your favourite song or challenge yourself to a mini HIIT workout. Get creative and use your break as a chance to move and groove to something upbeat.
8. Pamper Yourself with a Quick Beauty Treatment
A little self-care can go a long, long way. During your lunch break, you have just enough time to treat yourself to a mini beauty session. You could do a quick face mask, apply some soothing hand cream, or even give your nails a quick touch-up. A little pampering not only makes you feel good but can also serve as a reminder to care for yourself during the day.
For an extra touch of relaxation, try a calming eye mask or a lip scrub. These little rituals can be a great way to refresh yourself without needing a full-blown spa day. Just 15 minutes of self-care can leave you feeling rejuvenated and more confident for the afternoon.
Many beauty salons also offer lunchtime tweakments, so if you feel like pushing the boat out, why not pre-book and get someone else to do the hard work while you relax?
9. Declutter Your Space
Is your desk or work area becoming a bit of a mess? Use your lunch break to tidy up and declutter your space. It doesn’t have to be a big job; just take a few minutes to organise your papers, tidy up your desk, and create a more serene environment. A clean, organised space can reduce stress, increase focus, and give you a better mindset for the rest of the day.
Bonus points if you take a moment to organise your digital space, too. Clean up your email inbox or sort through your computer files. It’s a small but effective way to create order and make your environment feel much calmer.
10. Try a Digital Detox
Sometimes, the best way to relax is to step away from technology for a while. Turn off your phone, close your laptop, and disconnect from the digital world. Whether you take a walk, meditate, or simply enjoy some quiet time, a digital detox can help you recharge.
It’s easy to get caught up in the constant stream of notifications, but taking a break from screens can give your mind a rest and allow you to focus on things that truly matter.
Try to make this a habit during your lunch breaks to create a boundary between work and relaxation.
Summary
And there you have it: Proof that your lunch break doesn’t have to be a bland affair. Whether you’re injecting some fun with a bit of betting, getting creative, spoiling yourself, or simply enjoying a relaxing moment with a podcast, these simple activities can make a huge difference to your day. Use your break wisely, and you’ll return to your work feeling refreshed, recharged, and ready to take on the rest of the afternoon. You got this!
