The 'Lunch Break' Challenge - Get Your Work-life Balance Right

Do you need ‘The Lunch Break Challenge’? Do you often feel tired and lethargic in the afternoons? Do you feel resentful towards your employer or your organization, or your clients? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the lunch break challenge is for you….

Firstly, you must commit to a lunch hour every day of the week for the next two weeks. Your lunch hour is to consist of exercise, relaxation and healthy food.
Does this sound easy enough, or does your pulse wind up a notch or two at the thought?

If you feel a resistance to this you need to ask yourself “Why?” What keeps you from taking a lunch time break?

Become aware of, and acknowledge what is stopping you from stepping away from your work for an hour and utilizing your time?

Is it because you have too much work to do? Is it to prove to your boss or your peers that you are committed to your work? How about - Too hot, cold, rainy, windy? Or, too tired, can’t be bothered or not feeling well enough? If you do leave the building, do you spend your time throwing down your food whilst on the run, doing the banking, paying bills, buying groceries or shopping for the kids?
Write down a list of tasks that keep you from taking your lunch hour, and find a solution to overcome this. You may need to delegate more . You may need to say 'no' to others and 'yes' to yourself.

Now, book a lunch hour into your diary. Cross out an hour! If your lunch break is for ½ an hour, cross out this time.

Tips to Empower yourself at lunch time-

• Pack a healthy lunch with food that boost brain activity and ensure you get all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need each day to keep healthy. A lunch which is high in fibre, low in fat, and is based on low GI foods also provides the long-lasting energy to help avoid the mid-afternoon slump and keep you feeling good through the day. Eat your lunch outside.

• Spend time in the sun. Sunlight stimulates the body to produce vitamin D which has been proven to offer protection from some cancers, osteoporosis, and diabetes.

• Exercise stimulates various brain chemicals, which leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Exercise even reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. Yoga, gym, pilates, a walk around the block, park or up and down stairs.

• Meditate. Clear your head of fog and confusion so you are more focused, creative and decisive. Download a meditation CD onto your ipod so it’s quick and easy for you to relax and refresh your mind, body and spirit.

• Read a book, visit the library.

• Visit the art gallery.

• Meet a friend.

Tell the people in your office you are taking a regular lunch break and encourage them to do the same.

Take your lunch break and empower yourself with the energy happiness and enthusiasm necessary to create a happy, fulfilling and successful life. Enjoy and have fun.......

Copyright Gael Drum, Balanced & Bold Work Life Solutions 2009. All Rights Reserved.

This article may not be used without the prior written consent from the author. Ph: 0408 439 814 Email:gael@gaeldrum.com.au

DO YOU WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this text copy in its entirety:

If you're ready to discover the simple techniques for breaking through the stress cycle and creating the success you deserve, visit www.stressfreeandsuccessful.com