Have you got yourself into a habit of eating al desko or skipping lunch completely? Studies show that taking a lunch break allows your mind to recharge and refocus, which can directly improve your productivity for the rest of the day. 

If you work in Exeter city centre, here’s 5 ways you can shake up your lunch breaks:

Take a stroll

Whether it’s a wonder down the high street or somewhere a little greener, a little exercise at lunchtime is good for the body and mind, especially if you’re in a job where you’re sat down for the majority of the day. 

Here are a few of our favourite areas for a city centre stroll:

Southernhay Gardens

Northernhay Gardens

Rougemont Gardens

(If you’ve got the time...) Exeter Quayside

Fun fact: Our first floor rooms are named after Exeter gardens!

Grab some lunch

Dining in or taking away, from high street brands to independents, there’s an abundance of eateries in Exeter city centre. If you want to support local, there’s some great hidden gems in the form of cafes, restaurants and bars throughout the city centre. You can find these on Gandy Street, Queen Street, Fore Street, North Street, South Street and Magdalen Road, to name a few. For something a little more familiar, the High Street, Princesshay and Queen Street Dining in the Guildhall Shopping Centre has got you covered.

A spot of shopping

Plant shops (Fore Street & Paris Street), chocolate shops (Gandy Street & Princesshay), clothes shops (all over)… Exeter has all bases covered. Along with familiar high street stores and independent boutiques, Exeter prides itself on its local food, crafts and produce. If you’re around on a Thursday, don’t miss the weekly Farmers’ Market from 9am - 2pm on the corner of Fore Street and South Street.

Relax on the Cathedral Green

Exeter Cathedral lies right in the centre of the city and is one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals in England. It’s also the perfect place for some quiet time with a book or catch up with friends. Throughout the year the grounds are used for an array of events including Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market, Exeter Craft Fair, exhibitions and charity events. On a non-rainy day, this is one of our favourite ways to spend a lunch break, and it’s so close to our offices! 

Exercise

No time to work-out before or after work? Try a lunchtime fitness break with one of Exeter’s city centre gyms. A 30 minute session should give you time to get to the gym, change, workout, shower, grab a bite to eat and get back to work. There are many benefits to a lunch break work-out. Exercise gets your blood flowing and stimulates the brain, which helps improve energy and mental performance. In short, moving around should help you feel better, which should make you feel like you’re in a better place mood-wise, too. 

For more tips to being happier at work, check out our blog here.  

Did you know we offer serviced offices in Exeter city centre? Get in touch for more information on what’s currently available.