We all go through it—hitting that afternoon slump right before lunch only to sink lower once we’ve eaten. This slump is especially bad when you need to get work done and make the most of your day after you’re done chowing down.
So, how can you remedy this? What can you do to get those creative juices flowing and that productivity ball rolling?
We’ve put together a list of eight easy and fun ways to inspire creativity during your lunch break. Whether you have 15 minutes or a full hour, try out a few of these ideas and let the sparks fly!
- Visit a musuem to be inspired by the amazing artifacts and history surrounding you. The cool new view could help you think about things from an entirely different angle than you would sitting at a desk. (Colleen Dilenschneider)
- Travel back to childhood and play a game with a co-worker. It may sound silly, but studies show that having a strong balance between work and play helps lower levels of stress and allows the formation of new creative ideas. (Fox News)
- This might be obvious, but exercising for just 30 minutes a day can lead to higher levels of creativity due to improved divergent and convergent thinking. (Huffington Post)
- Build a prototype of something you’ve always wanted to create. Most minimum viable products aren’t overly fancy, so don’t worry about perfecting your new invention. Grab some paper, pens, a pair of scissors, and get started! (Elance)
- Take a power nap. You’ve heard it time again, but sleep really is an essential part of life. Head to your car or the park for a few minutes of those zzz’s, and wake up feeling refreshed and inspired. (Lifehacker)
- Read a few chapters of that book you’ve been eyeing. Taking time for yourself is a great way to unwind and de-stress, making you more open to the creative opportunities around you. (Creative Market)
- Sit down with a notepad and doodle while you munch. Drawing not only relaxes you but can also help you think of new solutions to problems you’re stuck on. (Entrepreneur)
- Unplug. Take an hour away from your phone, computer, or whatever other gizmos you keep by your side at all times, and just be alone. Cutting out all those distractions is a great way to focus solely on your own thoughts and ideas. (Forbes)
Want more? Check out our articles on boosting creativity and making the most of your lunch break!