Lunch hour is probably the most appealing part of an office worker’s day – aside from clocking off, that is. But usually, the break is over before you know it and you’re back at your desk wondering where time went.

Before the pandemic, it was not uncommon for the ladies and gentlemen of the corporate world to hit the gym during lunch hour. After a quick workout session, a healthy lunch would seal the deal before they headed back to their office. However, more than two years of remote work has probably caused a dip in our physical productivity. Keep reading if you need tips on how to use your midday break to get closer to your fitness goals.

Set a Fixed Schedule

Thinking about what to eat or what to do during your lunch break eats into your precious time off. As the minutes tick away, you may be left with a shorter window to do the things you want. The best way to maximise the time you have is to plan ahead. Start by creating a daily schedule that you can stick to without giving yourself too much pressure. For instance, you can set aside 30 minutes of your break for a meal, so that you can go to the gym or do some light reading in your remaining time.

Meal Prep in Advance

Instead of agonising over what to buy for lunch each day, why not plan your meals in advance? You’ll gain health benefits by taking charge of the ingredients and preparation methods. In addition, bringing your own lunch is proven to help you save time and money in the long run.

Meal prepping may seem daunting for the less culinary-inclined, but it doesn’t have to be. Creating pre-prepped meals is often a matter of proportioning and structuring. There are also many online resources for recipes and ideas. Develop a weekly menu and build your grocery list in advance so you know what to add to your basket – the rest is up to  your creativity, and whatever you like goes.

Avoid Talking About Work

There is a time for everything, and lunch break should be a time for you to recharge and unwind. Avoid work chatter during your lunch break and focus on conversations which let you share about your life, family, or other lifestyle topics. Alternatively, set aside time for meditation as this helps to take your mind off the strain of daily work tasks.It will also improve your mood. 

Work Your Body

Employees who exercise during lunch can improve their work performance by about 15%, according to research. This is because exercising boosts blood flow to the brain, resulting in heightened mental clarity and a decrease in stress hormones. Working out allows you to improve your mood by reducing the adrenaline and cortisol levels that build up in the morning, leaving you happy and more ready to take on the rest of the day.

There are many fun ideas you can try. Head down to the gym for a full-on workout, or hit the stairs of your office building. Or why not brisk walk to a nearby park and take in the sights and sounds of nature? Just remember to get your fitness fix before eating to prevent digestive problems, and put on the right sportswear to avoid injuries. 

As the weather in Singapore can be humid, choose activewear which is lightweight and comfortable. Anya Active offers a wide range of accessibly-priced sportswear which is made to support all kinds of lifestyles – from daily activities to intense training. For example, the Cloud Boxy Running Shorts are constructed from an ultra breathable fabric which provides super-fast drying. Its lightweight, sleek and comfortable design also makes it suitable for women to wear daily or even to sleep. Looking for female gym wear? Shop online and get your order delivered islandwide in Singapore.

It’s a good idea to bring a change of clothing when you decide to work out during your lunch break. Go for a shower after your exercise sessions so that you’ll feel refreshed and ready to take on your work responsibilities after that.