If your typical lunch hour is a hurried at-your-desk affair, it's time to give yourself a break. It'll do you more good than you realize.

Put your phone on voice mail, step away from your office and make your escape. Grab a lungful of fresh air with a brisk walk outside the building. Can't get away? Perform some stretching exercises, climb the stairs, walk the hallways or do a set of neck rolls to reduce tensions. Better still, do nothing. A few moments of meditative stillness will allow you to reclaim the day.

Whatever you do, don't skip lunch or replace it with a vending machine snack. A wholesome meal that's carbohydrate-rich jumpstarts your metabolism, boosts your productivity and helps you stay alert for the rest of the day.