6. Network over food

(Nationwide) Let’s face it; a ‘networking’ lunch might be some people’s idea of a nightmare. But actually, for those working from home or anyone who wants to break into a new industry, they can be invaluable. Websites such as getlunched. com and letslunch.com allow you to create a profile and connect with people who might be able to help you with that big idea or simply share similar interests. You can both ‘rank’ each other for helpfulness after and keep in touch if you’ve made a good business connection.

getlunched.com; letslunch.com

7. Focus your mind

(Birmingham) Whether it’s your frosty boss or that deadline keeping you up at night, recent studies carried out by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore have shown that meditation is an effective method for coping with stress and anxiety in the workplace. So if you’re faced with a particularly taxing few weeks, or you simply feel in need of a spot of relaxation, try spending a couple of lunch breaks a week clearing your mind at these 1pm sessions.

£4; Priory Rooms, Quaker Meeting House, 40 Bull Street, B4; meditateinbirmingham.org

8. Craft a hobby

(London) For those whose ‘enthusiastic’ attempts at doodling look more like childish stick figures than discernible art, these drop-in lunchtime life drawing classes could be beneficial. Taking place every Friday from 11am-1pm, would-be artists can pop in for as long as they like (models pose from 30 seconds to 50 minutes) and you’ll get general tutoring on your efforts.

£10; Artizan Street Library, Liverpool St, E1; londondrawing.com

9. Boost your knowledge

(Nationwide) The Stuff You Should Know podcast covers everything from crop circles to collective hysteria and great white sharks. So it’s 40 minutes well spent boosting your pub quiz credentials. Download and listen directly from iTunes (and maybe take a walk as you do), or check the website below for an archive of past episodes. Prepare to be addicted.

Free; stuffyoushouldknow.com/podcasts

10. Follow an audio tour

(London) Ever fancied seeing London as Charles Dickens did? Or uncovering the capital’s greatest, and most grisly, ghost stories? Download a guided audio tour (complete with map) from The Guardian’s brilliant series of podcasts and you’ll get firmly beneath the surface of the capital (and clock up some lunch-break exercise, too). Follow Oliver Twist’s walking route from The Angel Islington to the courthouse of Mr Fang, or discover the poetry and literature inspired by Kensington Gardens.

Free; theguardian.com/travel/series/london-walks

For more ideas, visit stylist.co.uk/reclaim-your-lunch-break and let us know your thoughts on the campaign in the comments section below or tweet us with the hashtag #reclaimyourlunchbreak

How and why to reclaim your lunch break and create a better work-life balance