Free Things to Do on Your Lunch Break
The standard American lunch break used to be roughly an hour, but that free time has been starkly cut down in recent decades. These days, workers are lucky if they get a half-hour for lunch -- and often, it is not a paid break. Therefore, if you have a few precious minutes at the end of your break, you want something to do that is free. Fortunately, there are myriad activities from which to choose.
Other People Are Reading
-
Make Phone Calls
-
Catch up with your friends and family by making a free phone call or two during your lunch break, if you are allowed to use your employer's line for a quick call (certain employers will allow this). Or perhaps you have free daytime minutes on your cell phone plan. Make sure your conversation does not run past your break time, or you could find yourself in trouble with superiors.
Personal Grooming
-
If you have your own cubicle or office, giving yourself a quick manicure is an idea that will freshen up your appearance. Bear in mind that certain colleagues can be sensitive to the smell of nail polish; don't do this activity if they find it offensive.
-
Play Internet Games
-
If your employer approves of discretionary, non-company computer use, playing Internet games or talking personality tests can be a quick, positive pick-me-up that engages your brain in a stress-free way during breaks. Steer clear of sites with suggestive or adult content.
Exercise
-
Take a walk around your company building during your break to get some fresh air and clear your head. Consider eating lunch in a nearby park and feeding the birds. If you have a private office, you can even do strength training -- simply use your own body as resistance to do push-ups, tricep dips and crunches.
Considerations
-
Don't do things on your lunch break that could be seen as interfering with the company's bottom line. Don't use this time to indiscreetly look for another job, either on the Internet or by phone. Also, don't engage in personal activities if you don't want your boss, colleagues, or clients to know about them. You never know who might be overhearing that phone call to your doctor, for instance, full of medical information you don't want shared.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
