The term lunch hour is cruelly misleading, since hardly anybody gets a full 60 minutes anymore. But if you take just a half-hour during the day and spend it on yourself with one of these ideas, you'll feel like you actually got in some you-time for once ... in less time than it takes to buy a latte.
1. Loosen up. Get a 15-minute massage at a nearby nail salon.
2. Tone up in your seat. Watch a "desk yoga" or 15-minute-abs video online that won't require a shower afterward.
3. Head outside. Try a new street food, hit the park and people-watch. If there's no expanse of green near you, churches often have serene garden spaces open to the public.
4. Check out some art ... even if it's artwork in a coffee shop or an office building. Banks, in particular, often purchase or commission interesting pieces by local artists.
Click here for nine more ways to make more of your lunch "hour" ...
5. Go on a date. Really! Whether it's a guy you met through an online dating service, or in the dry-cleaning line, there's way less pressure at a midday coffee meet-up. And, if he's a dud, you're only there for fifteen minutes anyway. Who knows ... maybe you'll even fall in love!
6. Listen to a book on tape. You can also start a book club with co-workers where you discuss a new one every few weeks in your break room.
7. Hand-write "thinking of you" postcards to friends you'd normally talk to via Facebook or e-mail.
8. Have a potluck with your co-workers featuring a new theme or type of ethnic food each week.
9. Be a foodie. Head into a wine, cheese or chocolate shop, and ask the salesperson what's new and exciting.
10. Take the stairs. You can burn about 120 calories in 10 minutes without getting sweaty.
11. Find a new favorite show. Why wait for next week to see "Nurse Jackie?" AOL Video, networks, iTunes and Hulu post pilots of series starting next season online. Or, catch up on the shows you missed this spring.
12. Take a nap. It was a good idea in preschool and it still is -- even if you just close your eyes for fifteen minutes.
Tell Us: How do you make the most of your lunch break?
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Monday 01 June
By erikk
Homestead.com: Build a website, get traffic and sell online.
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Monday 01 June
By sadiemae1214
I have no friends because I moved here from another state 3 months ago, I have no money because I've been out of work since July of 08 and have only 2 more checks left from my extended unemployment and after searching for work, both by resume and on line, am still unemployed, My fiance passed away in December of 08 and I might be ready to meet someone for friendship and conversation but I have no money for museums, coffee houses or any of the places one goes to meet people and I can't afford an on-line dating service.
I live on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so my dogs (all over the age of 10, had them since puppyhood) can eat decent food and I'm a really good, honest, decent person but really depressed right now so thank you for listening.
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Monday 01 June
By carrie
than why do you have a computer?
Monday 01 June
By Thinking AboutYou
DO NOT give your dogs Peanut Butter Sandwiches! You are killing them! Go to the local animal shelter, volunteer to walk the dogs & ask for DOG FOOD!! iF YOU CAN'T TAKE CARE OF THEM, GIVE THEM TO SOMEONE WHO CAN!
AND YOU need to eat healthy foods TOO!! Or you aren't going to have the health, energy & state of mind to find a job, a man, or friends.
Please keep it simple and go ask for help! Don't be afraid to! Alot of people are suffering these days! Please eat healthy and your Poor doggies!! God bless you!
Monday 01 June
By AR
Hang in there, sadiemae! I have been through some really tough times in my life as well, but there is hope! And things do get better. I wish nothing but the best for you.
Monday 01 June
By denise
Hang in there.
I am also unemployed and feeling discouraged. What I have realized is that jobs on on-line are often on-line because they either don't exist (head hunters looking for new clients) or the jobs are so bad (underpaid, impossible work load) that no one wants the job.
What has been much more successful for me (atleast it has helped me get interviews for decent jobs) has been to locate desirable employers and contact them directly. This has required maps, internet research of companies and several "drive by" car trips but I feel like I may be making some progress.
Don't you just hate it when people find out you're unemployed and say, "I wish I had some time off".
Monday 01 June
By rreking
I lost my Spouse in 2007 and I know how difficult that is. Like you I had no friends where I was and so family became very important. Having a Social Outlet is going to be essential or depression will seriously creep in. If it sets in too far it'll be a hard climb out. Definately not something you want since your still in the greiving stages. I'm not sure what your family relationship is like but I can assure you that isolation is a killer. If your not able to move to an area with familiar people, seek out community events and see if there are free activities that you can attend to liken your chances of meeting new people. Take things slow because in your first year your thinking and judgement can be questionable. Wish you the best.. hope this helps..
Monday 01 June
By Steve
Its tough out there but there are people who would welcome even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Why did you put yourself in this position to start?
Monday 01 June
By Miracles
Been there, done that (minus the dogs). Pull yourself up and create at least one goal. You can do this. It's hard but do-able.
Monday 01 June
By sue
hi if you need someone to listen i will help! where are you living now and are you in ohio ? keep me posted and good luck.
Monday 01 June
By Elizabeth Alcantar
Where do you live - I need a housekeeper . I don't believe that life is ever really hopeless - but it can certainly feel that way some times. Please, hang in there. I feel for you - have had simular circumstances. Best of luck on the job hunt.
Monday 01 June
By Jessica
Don't worry things can and will get better believe in yourself and you will do fine. I will pray for you. :)
Monday 01 June
By Kathryn Bios
hey sweetheart PRAYER changes things why not try thanking GOD for waking you this morning he didn't have to you know! Anyway there are places you can go to get a meal.me myself i love P,B&J i would offer to take you to lunch or dinner but i don't know how to tell you how to reach me . There is no reason to be hungry GOD LOVES YOU!!! Kathy
Monday 01 June
By kangaak99
Don't worry hang in there, alot of people are stuggling where I live it is not easy. But look at the good side at least you are alive and breathing. Besides There are other places that you can go to meet people that doesn't cost money. For example how about a nice park or a library.
Monday 01 June
By Debi
Hello,
meetup.com is a great place to meet people. They have all sorts of groups you can join. Lots of dog groups.
I wish you well.
Monday 01 June
By Kathy
OMG....where do you live? That's such a sad story!!
Tuesday 02 June
By Mary
Jun o1,09
Dear Sadie, Was so touched by your comments on line, I felt I had to write...Just consider me an on-line BUD and write me whenwvwe.
Iam a 58yo ewtired RN, Two grown sons, live in thr back of beyond in NC. Avid reader and love new friends. Please write me and who knows we may just hit it off. BYE hope to hear from you!!
Monday 01 June
By housebrook
You are very clear in your email that you are giving good food to your dogs .
I was in a similar position years ago and it turned out to be a really good time for me and eventually lead to a very high paying job . So do not give up. I think of this as a transitional time before the next stage of your life begins.
Some ideas:
1.go to local meditation classes ..they are often free or very cheap. sometimes they have food. You will gain a moment of peace and eventually make friends.
2. take a walk ...anywhere ..around the block.
3. go to farmer's market ..even if you do not buy anything ...they are colorful , there are a lot of people ..it is outside.
4. you can buy a PLAIN cup of coffee very cheaply.and sit in a coffee house for a long time
5. You can go to a bookshop and sit and read books
6. there is usually some kind of adult education classes that are very cheap in ART or pottery ...you need something to take your mind off your troubles. new things come in when you are not focused on the old things
7. if yu have exta money to out out go to breakfast .... it is cheaper and filling.
8. go to your local food pantry charity. They can give you the basics for food and toliet paper etc ... save your money for the dogs and your electricity
9. cheese and torillas are the cheapest things to eat ..cheaper than peanut I think.... if you have bisquick and water you can make biscuits ...start thinking this way NOW to make your money last as long as possible.
10. when you have extra money buy something really healthy to eat.
11. the unemployment office often has assistence to write your resume .
12. take any job ...take three jobs ....any low paying jobs that no one else wil take ...it will keep you busy and allow you to meet people . Furniture stores will usually try anyone in sales for a while ...it is comission only but it is better than having nothing ... i had three low paying jobs at once to keep things going...
REMEMER it is not forever ...things change
13. when family give you a gift ask for gift cards that will buy food.
14. join a discount store. The first time I went to cost co I could only afford to but one block of cheese ....but it was a lot of cheese ...so I could gradually build up a pantry.
REMEMBER things change ..I now have a 6 figure salary again and own my house ...THINGS CHANGE ...put on some lipstick and forge again
Monday 01 June
By BRINDA
Hey sadiemae, I read your comment, and it really touched my heart.
I've been in some bad life situations myself, including being homeless. I can remember when my dogs ate better than me, because I cared about them more than myself.
I can't help with money, but I can help by being someone you can talk to, even if it's just to yell at how unfair life can be. I sometimes take a ride in my car just to yell and scream. I look funny to others, but God is listening.
Please save my email address, ldysnowhawk1@aol.com, and write me anytime about anything. I am a sincere and faithful Friend. "snow"
Monday 01 June
By Diana
Please, don't give up life is short someone just might have it bad then u. sometime there r church that help with foods.time is hard for all when u money run out try for welfare it a start they will turn u in the right way