Haircut and blow dry

If you’ve been putting off going to the hairdresser for months, try fitting an appointment into your lunch break instead. A typical wash, cut and blow dry should take no more than 45 minutes (that’s ‘salon speed’ according to the experts) so you’ll even have time for a quick sandwich, too. Just be sure to let your stylist know that you’re expected back at work within the hour, so they will also keep an eye on the clock even if they don’t have another client due within that time.

A moisturising manicure

When you’re typing away at a computer all day, all it takes is one glance down at your hands to notice that you’ve neglected your nail care of late. In the winter, a combination of cold weather and pulling gloves on and off all day can wreak havoc on delicate cuticles and eczema-prone skin, so it’s worth booking a pampering treatment every now and again to keep your hands happy, healthy and hydrated. Of course, a new nail colour is an added bonus.

A massage or facial

If you’re going through a stressful period at work, one of the best things you could do for yourself is to book a tension-relieving massage or facial in the one hour that you’re not expected to be in the office. This is one of the quickest appointments to fit into your lunch break, as a speedy facial could take as little as 15 minutes and even a luxurious shoulder or back massage is an easy option if you have half an hour to spare.

An assessment with a physiotherapist

Address those troublesome aches and pains caused by sitting at a desk all day by booking an appointment to see a physiotherapist in your lunch hour. He or she might provide some instant relief with a targeted sports massage, and can help by giving advice about the exercises you can weave into your daily routine to protect yourself in the long run and avoid doing any further damage to your body.

A review with a financial advisor

If you really want to feel like you’ve got something important done in your lunch break, get your finances in order by booking yourself an appointment with a financial advisor. This is worth doing if you have any questions about your financial situation - from how to budget your spending so that you can find a way to put some money aside for a rainy day, to helping you plan for a pension or mortgage. For more information about how to find a financial advisor and what type you might need, try the government’s Money Advice Service.

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