How To Make The Most Out Of Your Lunch Hour

I found this great idea in Good Housekeeping magazine this morning, and it really made me think....I'm always trying to figure out WHEN I should fit in my best, healthiest meal during the day.  I'll fix big meals for the kids, and I'll be the only one to eat it. When should I go for a walk?  When should I plan out the rest of my week?

Maybe it's at lunch time that I take the focus on what I need to do for me.  That means what to eat, how to destress, and relax. Here's some ideas on what all you can fit into your simple one hour lunch break every weekday.

TRY YOGA

We were so excited to have Yoga instructor Carrie Ohnstad stop by our studio yesterday morning, and teach us some Yoga moves. I thought...wow...I can actually do these moves during the day.  This morning, I was posing while I was brushing my teeth. My abs were tight, I was balancing on one leg, AND brushing my teeth all at the same time.  Why not do a few of these great moves at lunch? You can sneak down to an empty office and practice some yoga moves. Studies have shown that people feel better after 40 minutes of yoga, rather than 40 minutes off napping or doing nothing.

TAKE A TOUR OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Take a walk down a street that you never walk down. Visit a quaint shop on Main street that you've never visited before. Exploring something new just for the fun of it, can ease stress.

TRY MOVING MEDITATION

Exercise yoru mind and your muscles by trying moving meditation.  This will help you burn calories, and help you think more clearly.  Get outside, and take several deep breaths...hold them as long as you can and let the air out slowly.

HELP SOMEONE

Offer to do the office coffee run for everyone.  Go to a volunteer website and figure out what you could do to help others in your community.   Knowing that you've helped someone else will always make you feel better about yourself.

GET CRAFTY

Maybe take up a new craft, read a book, learn how to knit.  Repetitive motions calm us, and ease worry.

CHECK YOUR CALENDAR

While you're eating a delicious salad at a quaint little restaurant, check your calendar for the rest of the days events, and try to look ahead so you have no unexpected surprises later in the week.

HAVE LUNCH WITH A FRIEND

Maybe it's too expensive to eat lunch out everday, however, it will do your body good to meet up with a friend once a week, for a little talk time, and a healthy meal.