Overview
Some days you start the working day waiting and wishing for lunchtime to roll around. Oftentimes, it's the only chance you have to step away from your desk, clear your mind from the endless stream of tasks and take some time out for yourself. Whether you're working in an office, at home, or on your feet all day, we've teamed up with Oporto to bring you five easy ways to win back your lunch break so you can head back into the afternoon feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Trust us, your productivity levels will thank us later.
Centennial Parklands
MONDAY: TRY AN ONLINE WORKOUT
What better way to make the most of your hour than to sweat it out over a free YouTube workout? Endorphin rush? Check. Post workout glow primed for Zoom calls? Check. For those looking for an intense midday workout, we recommend Cassey Ho's Blogilates workouts — a mixture of fitness and pilates videos of varying difficulties. Those looking for something more low-key, but equally as challenging, should look to lockdown sensation Adriene Mischler. You'll find her stream of yoga and pilates videos on her channel Yoga With Adriene.
TUESDAY: READ A BOOK
Take a break from your screen, pick yourself up from your desk and immerse yourself in a novel. After all, it's often better to escape and spend an hour in an imaginary world than to waste that hour scrolling your phone for news. For those stuck for reading inspiration, we've made a list of some killer book recommendations. Find a quiet corner, switch off those notifications or hide your phone, and even if you only read a page you'll have started something new that you can return to on your next break.
WEDNESDAY: CATCH UP WITH A FRIEND
After chatting with work colleagues all day, it's nice to break up your day by catching up with a close friend, or someone who's known you for yonks. It's often hard to catch up with those dearest to us, especially if they live far away. For those who have their loved ones in the same city, make time to head to a cafe, grab a bite to eat and catch up over a coffee. For those of us who have loved ones far away, you can't go wrong by scheduling time in your lunch break to pick up the phone — or make use of that Zoom account for something other than endless meetings.
Hamilton Lund via Destination NSW
THURSDAY: GO FOR A WALK
Sometimes all you need is walk outside and some fresh air. For those working in the city, take a walk down to Circular Quay, Darling Harbour or Pitt Street Mall, where the natural surroundings are stunning and the endless stream of people watching is even better. For those working from home, take a walk around the block, say hi to a neighbour and explore the side streets of your neighbourhood — you never know what you might find. And, if you've got access to wheels and time to spare, check out these seaside walks that'll make you feel like you're on holiday.
Kimberley Low
FRIDAY: EAT YOUR LUNCH OUTDOORS
Wherever you live or work, there's nothing better than having a bite surrounded by nature and taking a well deserved break in the great outdoors. It's the end of the week, so forgive yourself for not having time to prep your lunch and instead grab one of Oporto's Vegan Rappas on the way to the park. It has a pea and herb patty, mixed lettuce leaves, slaw, tomato and avocado, and a tomato and capsicum relish, all wrapped up in a pita bread wrap. Take your pick from our city's impressive parks, whether it's Hyde Park or The Domain in the city, or Sydney Park, Centennial Parklands, Parramatta Park or Camperdown Park. Or, check out this list of picnic spots for inspiration.
Check out Oporto's full Rappa Range here, then make tracks to your closest store — or order online.
Top image: Parramatta Park, Destination NSW