Taking time to pause and be mindful throughout the day can make a big impact on your mood and mind. Lunch is a great time to intentionally pause. Here are a few simple ways to make your lunch break more mindful.

• Eat outside

  • Step out of the fluorescents and into the sunlight. Find a calm, quiet place to sit and relax. If your office doesn’t have outdoor space, try to find a nice window or quiet area away from your computer screen to breathe. If there is space, take a short walk after to move your body and unwind your mind. (Packing your lunch will help you save money and have more time to sit and unwind).

• Enjoy silence

  • Try eating in silence. Sit in a quiet space by yourself and let your mind refresh.

• Eat more mindfully

  • Pay attention to how you eat. Notice how each bite tastes, observing the details. Observe how the body chews. Focus your attention on eating the food before you.

• Sit and rest your eyes

  • Step away from screens, close your eyes and breathe. Even one minute of this can make a big difference. 

• Read 

  • Allow your mind to escape to a far off place, guided by your book. This is a great way to give your mind a pause and restore.