Everyone has one but not everyone makes the most of it. I’ve been working for roughly 15 years professionally and throughout that time I’ve had lunch breaks at my desk (meaning none!), in the canteen and out of the office. Over the past five years, my lunch break has changed – let me explain why.

I run a design agency during the day so I’m mainly telephone and desk bound. I can’t stress enough the importance of getting up and walking away from your desk and making sure you have that special time away. Either by yourself or with a colleague and don’t just whine about the company you work for as that’s unhealthy for your wellbeing!

Giving your eyes a rest from your monitor is an important step and you should be doing this at regular points throughout the day. Your lunch hour is so important, it really is. It’s time to refuel and charge those batteries for the afternoon ahead.

As we approach Winter, the chances are you won’t be thinking about eating healthily and going for a jog. However, after reading a new study released by the team at GLORIOUS! Soups, a rather impressive two-thirds of us (66%) will be eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Just under half (46%) of the 2,000 people quizzed also have a lifestyle goal in mind for the colder months. You can read the full article here.

I typically start my lunch hour at 12pm, sometimes it’s slightly before but rarely after that time. The last company I worked for, they’d never arrange meetings over lunch time because I’d be too grumpy, haha! I start off by stretching my arms and legs and walking to the kitchen. I’ve usually thought about I’m going to cook the night before. Take today as an example. I cooked a steak with peppercorn sauce and I boiled some asparagus. I always cut off the fatty bits of the steak and give it to my dog though!

After that, I work along to the shops as I usually need to stock up on milk and eggs. I call in at the Post Office as my Wife usually has some orders to post for her business. So already, I’ve stretched, eaten and walked. This normally takes up half an hour so for the remaining 30 minutes I either go for a short run, perform some yoga or I do a bodyweight circuit. Today I did a circuit which included press-ups, pull-ups, dips and squats. I actually wore a weighed vest today, which helps to mix things up. It leaves me just enough time to jump in the shower and then I’m back to work.

I know what you might be thinking though! You either don’t have a full hour for your lunch break or you don’t have access to a kitchen. Well you can make your meals the night before and just consume them in your lunch hour so you’ll save cooking time. I have an area at work where I can train in peace. Try asking for an empty room at work or when the weather’s nice, there’s nothing better than exercising outside. Don’t ever feel silly! You’ll often find that your colleagues will want to join in anyway. If you have a boss that is constantly wanting and expecting you to work through your lunch hour, just say no!

To summarise: stretch, cook, eat, walk and exercise. Try the GLORIOUS! Four week challenge today and see how you can improve your health and fitness during your lunch hour. I did and I’ve never looked back. Well, sometimes just to see how far I’ve come.

Post sponsored by GLORIOUS!