This is how you should be spending your lunch break

According to study published in the Academy of Management, a good lunch break is an essential way to rest and recharge for the second half of the day. Researchers found that engaging in relaxing activities during lunch aids in energy recovery, while work

Choose what’s right for you

“Lunch breaks should be restorative experiences,” says Dr. Ken Mathos, director of people science at the employee experience platform Culture Amp. “For a more introverted person that might mean getting away from the office and colleagues long enough to refuel. For an extrovert that would be finding ways to connect with people, possibly through a visit to a break or lunch area or kitchen.” Mathos adds, “If you work from home and are seeking social contact, you may need to plan ahead to arrange a lunch date, virtual or in-person.”

Get outdoors

Some activities are natural energy boosters, replenishing the cognitive resources you’ve been

burning up all morning, says Dr. Gloria Mark, University of California’s Chancellor Professor of Informatics, and

author of “Attention Span: A Groundbreaking Way to Restore Balance, Happiness and Productivity.” “Ideally, go outside for 20 minutes and take a walk,” she says. “Research has shown that a 20-minute walk can make people significantly less stressed, and my own research has shown that their divergent thinking—being able to generate more and different ideas—increases.” Taking a walk also helps combat being sedentary.

SOURCE: Stephanie Vozza, Fast Company

Avoid venting sessions

Whether you choose to socialize or not, Mathos says it’s important to avoid talking about things that are stressful. “Talking about work with coworkers over lunch can be fun, so long as it’s a conversation about the work and people you enjoy,” he says. “Avoid turning lunch conversations into venting sessions or you won’t truly have had a break.” Similarly, avoid using lunch to discuss tasks that frustrate you, Mathos adds. “Discuss work tasks that offer opportunity either to be creative or get substantive mentorship or help from a colleague,” he says.