How to Survive the Workplace During Your Lunch Break

The lunch break is supposed to be a respite from the stresses of work. It's a time for you to refuel and regroup, but so often it turns into another stressful situation. You're starving and have no food, or you can't find somewhere to eat without feeling like you're alone in an office building full of people.

Bring your lunch

This might seem like a no-brainer, but many people choose not to bring their own food and instead opt for the sad, lonely salad bar or street vendor food. Bring food that you like! If it’s good enough to eat at home, it should be good enough for work too. The same rule applies if you’re vegan or vegetarian—bring your own vegan/vegetarian sandwich wrap with hummus and falafel (or whatever). Also, make sure that what you’re bringing doesn’t need utensils (so much easier than having to rummage around for a fork). As an added bonus: if there are any leftovers from this meal and someone else wants some…they can have them!

Bring headphones

It’s easy to get distracted by the world around you while on your break. That coworker who always rolls his eyes when you talk is eating at the table next to yours and he looks like he’s having an extreme case of bad gas. Or maybe that person who sits three desks away from you, but still has no idea what your name is, keeps staring at you awkwardly over their cubicle wall as if they want to tell you something important but aren’t sure how? Either way, it can be a bit distracting.

The best way to avoid this kind of distraction is by bringing headphones with music or another form of entertainment that doesn't involve talking (i.e., podcasts).

Leave the office if you can

If you have the freedom, try to leave the office. Go outside and get some fresh air. Even if it's raining, go sit in a park or on a bench somewhere. This will help clear your mind, and give you some space from all of the stressors of your job (and life).

If that doesn't work, go to another floor in your building or even another building entirely! Sometimes just being somewhere else can make all the difference when it comes to taking a break from work.

Eat at your desk

If you're someone who eats at their desk, there are a few options to consider. You can bring a plate or container, but if you want something more portable and less messy than a plate, I recommend finding some sort of microwavable container that will fit in your desk drawer or under your monitor. You can also grab a microwave for about $50-75—this is an investment worth considering if you generally have access to one during your lunch break (or anytime really). The same goes for bringing a blender: it's faster and easier to make smoothies with one than with just an immersion blender or whisking vigorously by hand!

When deciding between the two, keep in mind whether or not you plan on making your lunch healthier by juicing fruits and vegetables regularly. If so then investing in both may be worthwhile; however if this doesn't seem like something you'd do often then just choose one option based on which convenience factor appeals most strongly to your lifestyle (and budget).

Find ways to get by without losing your mind.

• You can't always leave the office, but you don't have to lose your mind while working there.
• Bring your lunch. That way you can eat at your desk and not go out for lunch. If you do bring food, be sure not to take up too much space in the refrigerator or freezer with all of those Tupperware containers!
• If bringing a lunch sounds like too much trouble (or if there's nothing interesting in the break room), consider making friends with people who work near you—you'd be surprised how many times they'll chime in on an interesting conversation or ask what kind of day you've had so far. Of course, don't forget about headphones: turning off any music will allow others around you more opportunities for open communication and collaboration!

Conclusion

There are so many ways to get through the workday and still be productive. You can use a lunch break as an opportunity to take care of yourself and recharge before diving back into your tasks. It’s important not only for your own personal well-being but also for the success of the organization, since you don’t want anybody getting overwhelmed or burned out! While some offices may not offer much flexibility when it comes time for lunch break, there are still plenty of ways around this if necessary.

PS: Hi! I am a freelance writer with a passion for writing. I am open to most genres, but my primary expertise is in content and blog writing. If you would like to discuss any upcoming projects please feel free to contact me by email at [email protected]