CHICAGO 9-13-21

CHICAGO EDITION

HOW TO OVERCOME YOUR WORKPLACE FEARS

FEATURED AGENTS

ANDREW ROMANO PAIGE MONTGOMERY COOPERATION, NOT COMPETITION, CREATES MUTUAL SUCCESS FOR AGENTS

BY THE NUMBERS: UNDERSTANDING THE TRUE VALUE OF SQUARE FOOTAGE

COVER STORY

HOW TO GET THE BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT OF YOUR LUNCH HOUR

JOLANTA KAZIMIERSKI & GARY MACHNIK

CHICAGO EDITION

PAIGE MONTGOMERY ANDREW ROMANO

If the entrepreneurial spirit could be repnergetic and a true people person, resented by7a question, it would probably 17 ndrew Romano is well-equipped to make be “Why?” It was the magic word that led al estate dreams come true.to“I Paige love helpMontgomery getting her real estateeven license. g others,” he explains. “I don’t call

up and c We were impressed profe an amaz 20 by his ism and rapid replies to our inqui intereste gave us his mobile to make the neighbor selling a easier as we rushed to sell our ho themAnd and find a home out of the city. they’d li patient and knowledgeable in he

em my clients, I call them my friends.”

“A that lot led of my was his vibrant personality to friends were complaining about aawful m entering the industry, with friendexperiences they’d had with find a suitable home for our specia brokers,” co ncouraging him to go for it.

“He wasPaige in explains. “And I couldn’t He took the time to find Paige us large but leasask myself why that happens so of houses to look at. He clients al estate, and suggested I help get into helpedb often Andrew in real estate. I saw an opportunity to into our new home and continues her city— g so I could learn the business.” make a difference, toANDREW be a trusted ally that JOLANTA KAZIMIERSKI ROMANO PAIGE MONTGOMERY t the ground running, but returned to his tain contact with us. He gorgeous has bee JOLANTA KAZIMIERSKI & GARY MACHNIK clients know they can count on.” her clien evious career a waiterMACHNIK when his first expectations in every area. He ev & asGARY odically, hild was born. “I started toIt wasn’t really the missfirst time Paige entered an arena to care of our lawn when we moved address they might enjoy or te al estate, so I went back,aand met my lack.CONTENTS focus our energy fundamental She co-founded a logistics could company event.

This on cityunpack never ow wife. We teamed up and did well in in 2011, introducing cutting-edge service to an induscity in other ways, m xury leasing.

I sawtry ourthat success, I decided it Born and raised in Chicagoland, 4)Once COOPERATION, 18) HOW TO still relied on outdated methods of interacting for the Andrew nonprofitalway organ as time to become a broker and get my real estate time to give back to his community.

“I’m a pa NOT COMPETITION, OVERCOME YOUR with its clients. By the time she divested herself from cense. The rest is history.”

Today Andrew is working Street Young Professionals Network,Paige and CREATES MUTUAL FEARS the company in 2017 to becomeMain a WORKPLACE Realtor, she’d helped Going forward, n building hisSUCCESS own team, FOR serving thecompany’s greater Chicago mymillion. son’s baseball and soccer teams.”soLately, growAGENTS the worth to $15 posefully, as to hm ea. After earning his license in 2019, about half of his spending any free for als the experience.

She’d 21) HOW TO time GETmaking THE plans Now Paige brought her business acumen to Keller the time is righ usiness already consists of repeats and has referrals. including recently gettingwhen certified in comput 14)

BY THE NUMBERS: BIGGEST RECHARGE OUT Williams, THE representing clients design allOF over greater role inthe some soChicago-land, he can help clients envision pots UNDERSTANDING YOUR LUNCH HOUR focusing especially on comthe downtown area. Last year she ing agents or other ’s Andrew’s TRUE superiorVALUE service that people a home.

OF keeps closedbusiness 37 transactions and is set to eclipse that number finger on the pulse o g back. “I was in the hospitality for 15 years, SQUARE FOOTAGE 2021 with YTD to sales totaling already. thathis spur us it just comes naturally for in me.”

After getting know As$6.2 timemillion goes on, Andrew’squestions passion for work that business comes repeatwait to see what the futu hat his clients are lookingNearly for, he85is percent able to of quickly ues to grow.from He can’t andcan referrals.

In clithis case, why this is obvious: etermine howPhone to meet their clients needs. |“I make my andthe where path will take him. “When yo 310-734-1440 Fax 310-734-1440 “This is a people business,” says Paige. “Customers nts feel like they are the only one I am working with, with me, you’re not a client. You’re a friend mag@topagentmagazine.com www.topagentmagazine.com want transparency,| they want proactivity, and they want ven if I’m helping ten others.”

For his inbuyers, this That’s myconsent motto,theand I’m sticking to it.”

No portion of this issueto may be reproduced any manner without prior publisher. Top Agent Magazine feel like they’re beingwhatsoever taken care of.

I try to ofanswer is published

by Feature Publications GA, Inc. Although are taken to ensure the accuracy of published materials, Top eans being patient throughout the process, andprecautions never their they have tosupplied ask them, telling Agent Magazine cannot be heldquestions responsible forbefore opinions expressed or facts by its authors. essuring them to make decisions.

At the same time, To subscribe or changethem address, send inquiry to mag@topagentmagazine.com. what to expect or prepare for so they’re never wonPublished exceptional in the U.S. e offers his sellers marketing plans, with dering what the next step is.” eir listings going for the highest possible price. “With y extensive marketing plans I amisable provide when pro- marketing her listings too.

Paige verytoproactive ssional 2photographs, virtual tours advertising on the MLS and social media, Top Agent Magazine The easyand thing is to list on acebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and my own personal and these days everyone does it, including Paige. But

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Cooperation, Not Competition, Creates

Mutual Success for Agents When people get along during a business transaction, everyone comes out happier. And in a service industry like real estate, agents have the power deliver that happiness. By working cooperatively, sharing advice and helping each other help clients, agents not only enhance their own reputations, but that of real estate in general.

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“Bring everyone together” Matt Kobelski, with Credentials Real Estate Group in Massachusetts, points out that providing good service involves more people than the party you’re representing. “I’m not afraid to bring together all the parties in a deal and say, ‘OK, let’s figure out a solution that works best

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Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem

for everyone,” he explains. “My goal is to avoid being adversarial.” Real estate, he believes, should always be a field in which each person can win. “It’s about working toward a mutual goal, shaking hands, and walking away happy that a seller sold, a buyer bought and everyone got what they wanted.”

But Is it that simple? Most agents have experienced the ways conflicting personalities and tension during a transaction can heat up even the most cordial relations. In reality, however, it’s more productive to let down your guard and work with others as a team than it is to allow stress and competition to preside. South Florida REALTOR® and broker associate, Risë V. Siegrist, for instance, has zero interest in competing with other agents. “It’s more important to be professional and associate with competent, caring people,” she says. By serving others with a cooperative spirit, experienced agents like Risë set an excellent example for emerging real estate stars. Risë hopes to be a model for the next generation of agents, training people who may one day become part of her team.

Risë’s position on cooperation inspires more reasons for nurturing relationships with other agents. Over the decades, many agents change brokerages several times. Who knows if that agent across the table will one day work at the Top Agent Magazine

same brokerage you do? Perhaps you’ll even have an opportunity to partner on an exciting, future transaction. Good relations keep doors open to endless possibilities.

Co-listing cooperation Teaming up with an agent from a different brokerage on a transaction is not as uncommon or complicated as it might seem. In fact, some agents cleverly capitalize on their collective attributes, rather than competing against one another. South Carolina REALTOR® Kimberly Pannit is a perfect example of the universal benefits of co-listings. Although she has always been an independent agent, Kimberly works hard to form professional alliances that give her business the feel of a cooperative network across brokerages.

This cooperative approach may be nontraditional, but it benefits clients in unique ways. By working closely with agents at other brokerages, she shows how agents can improve client service while helping one another.

Kimberly’s cooperative approach began in her own neighborhood, where an agent friend from a different brokerage also lives. “Several years ago, I approached her because both of us were friends with our neighbors. I asked, ‘Why don’t we give our neighbors superior service and

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co-list together? We both love our area and are passionate about our jobs, the location and schools.’” She also didn’t want to make their mutual friends choose between them when they could work together. “I said, ‘Let’s give them amazing service together!’” With their brokers’ permission, two weeks later the agents co-listed their first home and put extra energy into ensuring uninterrupted client service.

Networking and “Co-opertition” When the ultimate goal is to match a client with the perfect home or create optimal terms of sale for a listings, networking with other agents can facilitate that ideal buyer-seller match.

Nashville REALTOR® and broker/owner Lisa Land embraced every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the real estate industry and to her local market, even before building her own team. “Agents would frequently ask me for help or advice,” she says, noting that she shares, rather than guarding, the methods she uses to get through difficult or confusing transactions. “I was fortunate to have great mentors when I started in real estate, so I’m always

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willing to offer help, even to agents outside of The Luxe Collective.”

Meanwhile, on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, Janet Leigh Scott describes the climate between agents as relaxed and professional. “While the real estate market is highly competitive, we’re truly a ‘co-opertition’ market; agents work together and a have greater sense of community than you might experience in off-island brokerages,” Janet says. “If I have buyer coming into town, I’ll reach out to agents I’ve done transactions with to ask if they have anything coming up that might not be on the market yet.”

Even in hot, competitive L.A. real estate, independent agents such as Andrej Nagy of The Agency RE knows the importance of receiving and providing professional mentorship.

“My relationships with clients are extremely important,” he says. “But my relationships with agents on the other side of a deal are also important.” For REALTORS® like him, working smoothly with other agents is a privilege.

Doing so builds rewarding relationships while ensuring win-win transactions for everyone at the closing table.

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JOLANTA KAZIMIERSKI & GARY MACHNIK Top Agent Magazine

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The real estate dream team of Top Agents Jolanta Kazimierski and Gary Machnik help buyers and sellers throughout the Northwest of Chicago, and Northwest Suburbs, fulfill their real estate goals.

With over five decades of experience between them, Jolanta Kazimierski and Gary Machnik are truly a real estate dream team. Dedicated to their clients and focused on providing them with an elite level of service, they help buyers and sellers throughout the Northwest of Chicago, and Northwest Suburbs, fulfill their real estate goals.

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What makes this duo unique is the way in which they perfectly complement each other. While Jolanta is an expert at communicating with international buyers, Gary has unparalleled knowledge of the local area.

“I speak a few Eastern European languages and I deal a lot with investors, builders, and rehabbers. Gary is very familiar with Top Agent Magazine

the area, and he has a lot of experience, so when you put the two of us together, we are the perfect fit,” Jolanta explains.

Having made many long-lasting relationships and acquired a large base of business that comes by way of repeat and referral Top Agent Magazine

clients, Jolanta and Gary believe it’s their integrity and hard work that continues to bring people back. “Our clients appreciate how honest and flexible we are. We never want to force people to make a decision that they’re not happy with. We have flexible contracts and I think that’s been the key to Copyright Top Agent Magazine9

“Our clients appreciate how honest and flexible we are.

We never want to force people to make a decision that they’re not happy with. We have flexible contracts and I think that’s been the key to our success,” Jolanta says, and Gary adds, “Honesty is the best policy.” our success,” Jolanta says, and Gary adds, “Honesty is the best policy. Sometimes you have to say something that clients may not want to hear, but I think you have to be realistic with people and give them factual information. For example, when it comes to pricing their home, we’ll say, ‘It’s your home and we can try whatever you want, but here’s what we think.’ We never try to Copyright Top Agent Magazine 10

buy a listing by giving them an inflated price and asking for big price reduction a few weeks later.”

Happy to go the extra mile for their clients, Jolanta and Gary go above and beyond to ensure the service they provide is unmatched. “We might help a client pay their final water bill or give them Top Agent Magazine

a ride to the closing. We also meet with appraisers, accompany inspections, find cleaning services and handymen. If they need an estate sale coordinator, we have those contacts. We help sellers choose paint color, tiles, and kitchen cabinets. We know vendors and contractors with the best prices and quality. It’s all those little Top Agent Magazine

things that add up to a truly special experience for our clients.”

Always looking out for their clients’ best interests, Jolanta and Gary offer them proven marketing solutions. “We start by making sure the house is ready to be photographed, as so much of online advertising relies on Copyright Top Agent Magazine 11

that very first look and whether the potential buyer likes what they see in the photo. We’re happy to help clients do little touch-ups around the house to make sure it’s in the best shape.

If there is something unique about the exterior of the property, like a nice pool or lake, we will also do drone photos. We do everything to maximize the presentation of the listing from the start, and then it’s just a matter of utilizing social media and our online presence to get it out in front of the buyers.”

Jolanta and Gary plan to continue giving their clients the best service in the coming years.

“What we’re doing now seems to be working well, so our goal is to keep serving our clients with unbridled dedication and ensure that their experience with us is truly exceptional every time.”

When they’re not busy working, the dynamic duo enjoy fishing, sports, and gardening.

To learn more about Jolanta Kazimierski & Gary Machnik please email jolantaka@comcast.net, visit hometownrealestategroup.com, or call (773) 742–7936 Copyright Top Agent Magazine 12

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By the Numbers:

Understanding the True Value of Square Footage Measuring the square footage of a property may seem like an objective and straightforward task, but you’d be surprised at how many agents and homebuyers misunderstand this pivotal figure.

True square footage provides homebuyers a concrete understanding of their prospective domain, but here’s the problem: the rules to determine a home’s square footage are not always uniform across the board. What’s more, much of 14

a home’s value is determined by its size, so accuracy is certainly important. While many real estate agents have their own systems for determining or confirming a home’s true square footage, it doesn’t hurt to update your practices and become an expert on the subject. After all, you may learn a few techniques that could add value to a listing, or better prepare you in guiding house-hunters on the lookout.

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1. Do your due diligence Most towns and cities have a local records department where floorplans and blueprints are kept on file. It’s worth noting that these records don’t typically include any subsequent additions or remodels on a property, but they still give archive hunters a legal baseline when outlining a property’s square footage. Oftentimes, a straightforward online search of a city or county’s records office can pull the information necessary, or else agents can poke around in person to uncover informative blueprints at the records office. Either way, access to original blueprints or floorplans is a great tool for determining livable square footage. As a bonus,

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original blueprints and floorplans—especially in historic properties—can be intriguing visual aids for prospective buyers, as well.

2. Know the rules While there aren’t universal standards when it comes to measuring square footage, there are general guidelines that can help determine square footage in an authentic way. Per the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), here are the official recommendations for measuring a home’s real square footage: n

Called “below grade spaces,” basements and sunrooms beyond a home’s typical

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living quarters do not count toward a home’s true square footage. According to ANSI, even big draws like finished basements don’t count toward a property’s Gross Living Area. Of course, even below grade spaces have their own desirable value and should be outlined as such on listings. n

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Did you know the space inside closets and on stairways counts toward a home’s square footage? Even if these areas are relatively small, they still add to a property’s calculable square footage.

When recording square footage, ANSI actually suggests performing measurements from a property’s exterior—though this method does not account for the

thickness of exterior walls, which could skew square footage numbers. n

Just like below grade spaces, a garage, a pool house, or even a guest house should not be included in a property’s Gross Living Area. The rationale at work here is this: if you must go outside to access additional living areas, then they are beyond the square footage scope of the primary dwelling and should not be included in a home’s Gross Living Area.

3. Double-check by doing the dirty work Buyers and sellers have or will make a sizable investment in a property, so isn’t it fair to double-check all the relevant facts and figures

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ANDREW ROMANO Energetic and a true people person, Andrew Romano is well-equipped to make real estate dreams come true. “I love helping others,” he explains. “I don’t even call them my clients, I call them my friends.”

It was his vibrant personality that led to him entering the industry, with a friend encouraging him to go for it. “He was in real estate, and suggested I get into leasing so I could learn the business.” Andrew hit the ground running, but returned to his previous career as a waiter when his first child was born. “I started to really miss real estate, so I went back, and met my now wife. We teamed up and did well in luxury leasing. Once I saw our success, I decided it was time to become a broker and get my real estate license. The rest is history.” Today Andrew is working on building his own team, serving the greater Chicago area. After earning his license in 2019, about half of his business already consists of repeats and referrals.

It’s Andrew’s superior service that keeps people coming back. “I was in the hospitality business for 15 years, so it just comes naturally for me.” After getting to know what his clients are looking for, he is able to quickly determine how to meet their needs. “I can make my clients feel like they are the only one I am working with, even if I’m helping ten others.” For his buyers, this means being patient throughout the process, and never pressuring them to make decisions. At the same time, he offers his sellers exceptional marketing plans, with their listings going for the highest possible price. “With my extensive marketing plans I am able to provide professional photographs, virtual tours and advertising on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and my own personal website www.yourchicagolandrealtor.com.”

We were impressed by his professionalism and rapid replies to our inquiries. He gave us his mobile to make the process easier as we rushed to sell our home and find a home out of the city. Andrew was patient and knowledgeable in helping us find a suitable home for our special needs.

He took the time to find us large swaths of houses to look at. He helped us settle into our new home and continues to maintain contact with us. He has been above expectations in every area. He even took care of our lawn when we moved in so we could focus our energy on unpacking.”

Born and raised in Chicagoland, Andrew always makes time to give back to his community. “I’m a part of the Main Street Young Professionals Network, and I coach my son’s baseball and soccer teams.” Lately, he’s been spending any free time making plans for the future, including recently getting certified in computer-aided design so he can help clients envision the potential of a home.

As time goes on, Andrew’s passion for his work continues to grow. He can’t wait to see what the future holds and where this path will take him. “When you work with me, you’re not a client. You’re a friend for life.

That’s my motto, and I’m sticking to it.”

After working with Andrew, buyers and sellers love to tell others about their experience. One recently said, “We needed to move out of the city, we contacted Andrew for his services on recommendation of a friend.

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For more about Andrew Romano, call 312-731-2531 or email aromanohomes@gmail.com Copyright Top Agent Magazine 17

How To How To Overcome Your Overcome Your Workplace Fears Fear is something that can help protect us from danger, but it is also something that can be a hindrance to us in our lives, especially when it keeps us from potentially thriving and growing as a person. This is especially true in the workplace. Here’ a look at some proven ways to overcome common workplace fears.

your head, what exactly you’re feeling and why, it can help deflate the fear. Think of it as releasing some of the fear into the ether.

Yes, you’ll still be nervous about your presentation, but a lot of what was holding you back is gone. You’ll feel lighter, and hopefully have just enough butterflies to make your soar.

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Really owning the emotions that are putting you in a place of fear, is the first step.

By just naming it and then talking it out in

Nothing can make you feel more isolated than going down the path of “This is something that only happens to me.” Trust me,

ASSESS THE FEELINGS BEHIND THE FEAR

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TALK ABOUT YOUR FEARS WITH A TRUSTED CO-WORKER

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it doesn’t, and you might be surprised to find out that some people have had it even worse. Talking to someone you trust and admire, hearing their own fear horror stories and how they overcame them, will help normalize what you’re feeling. Releasing yourself from the idea that it’s something about you, will be an enormous relief.

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THINK OF THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Although it might seem counter-productive, truly assessing what the worse outcome of the situation you’re afraid of serves two purposes. It might lead you to realize the worst case scenario isn’t that bad after all.

Of course it could also lead you to a really uncomfortable thought, you could lose your job. As bad as that is, it also gives you an opportunity to start focusing on what really matters, and how you might grow from the experience and possibly end up better off.

Countless people in their dream jobs now, were once fired and thought it was the end of the world. Hopefully, that won’t happen to you, but learning to have confidence in your abilities to always find a way, will be a great tool in overcoming fears.

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COMPARTMENTALIZE

If you’re a super-organized type, you might try actually setting aside time in your day to focus on your fears. It might seem odd, but it will let you NOT focus on your fears during the other hours of your day. Think of it as a task, you aren’t just sitting there worrying, Top Agent Magazine

Start thinking of fears as challenges.

As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

you’re taking in your fears and figuring out ways to overcome them.

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START THINKING OF YOUR FEARS AS OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Start thinking of fears as challenges. As scary as it might seem to face them, for the most part they are things that can be fixed.

A lot of fear is based on inexperience which leads to a lack of confidence. A common fear is workplace evaluations. Instead of looking at it as hearing everything that is wrong about you, think of it as an opportunity to see where you can improve. Going into it with a positive attitude rather than a defensive posture, will make the whole thing better for both parties.

Overcoming fears is oftentimes about a simple attitude adjustment. Like anything it takes practice, but the results of that practice will lead to a life that you’re able to thrive in both personally and professionally.

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PAIGE MONTGOMERY If the entrepreneurial spirit could be represented by a question, it would probably be “Why?” It was the magic word that led to Paige Montgomery getting her real estate license.

“A lot of my friends were complaining about awful experiences they’d had with brokers,” Paige explains. “And I couldn’t help but ask myself why that happens so often in real estate. I saw an opportunity to make a difference, to be a trusted ally that clients know they can count on.”

It wasn’t the first time Paige entered an arena to address a fundamental lack. She co-founded a logistics company in 2011, introducing cutting-edge service to an industry that still relied on outdated methods of interacting with its clients. By the time she divested herself from the company in 2017 to become a Realtor, she’d helped grow the company’s worth to $15 million.

Now Paige has brought her business acumen to Keller Williams, representing clients all over Chicago-land, focusing especially on the downtown area. Last year she closed 37 transactions and is set to eclipse that number in 2021 with YTD sales totaling $6.2 million already.

Nearly 85 percent of that business comes from repeat clients and referrals. In this case, the why is obvious: “This is a people business,” says Paige. “Customers want transparency, they want proactivity, and they want to feel like they’re being taken care of. I try to answer their questions before they have to ask them, telling them what to expect or prepare for so they’re never wondering what the next step is.”

Paige is very proactive when marketing her listings too.

The easy thing is to list on the MLS and social media, and these days everyone does it, including Paige. But Paige isn’t the kind of agent to just wait for buyers to call her. She puts in the extra legwork that many Realtors don’t. “This is one area where I’m a little old-school. I’ll search the MLS for agents who have a buyer-match set 20

up and call them to let them know we have an amazing property their client might be interested in. I also prospect in our listing’s neighborhood, letting people know we’re selling a home a few doors down from them and asking them who they know that they’d like as a new neighbor.”

Paige continues to be a resource for her clients beyond the closing. She’s a fan of her city—for its food, its leisure life, its gorgeous views—and loves talking it up to her clients. “I’ll check in with them periodically, recommending a new restaurant they might enjoy or telling them about a great upcoming event. This city never gets old!” She also nurtures her city in other ways, mentoring emerging entrepreneurs for the nonprofit organization Future Founders.

Going forward, Paige wants to grow her team, purposefully, so as to maintain that elevated customer experience. She’d also like to expand into other states when the time is right. “Long term, I’d like to take a greater role in some sort of mentorship program teaching agents or other entrepreneurs, always keeping a finger on the pulse of the business, always asking the questions that spur us to improve.”

Contact Paige at 305-934-1446 or email paigemontgomery@kw.com Copyright Top Top Agent Agent Magazine Magazine

How to Get the Biggest Recharge

Out of Your Lunch Hour When things get busy, it’s typical to find a grab-and-go lunch and keep plugging away on the tasks at hand. While some days demand this kind of hustle, your lunch hour can be a valuable window in which to recharge and set the tone for the latter half of your day. In fact, taking a mindful break at midday can create Top Agent Magazine

mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

But how do you maximize that hourlong reprieve amidst a busy schedule?

Here are a few ideas for inspiration, no matter what your tastes or preferred habits may be.

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Taking a mindful break at midday can create mental space for extended productivity and provide the morale boost necessary to take on a new task for the afternoon.

GET MOVING Just ten minutes of light exercise can get your blood pumping and your energy renewed.

Step outside and take a brisk walk around the block, or walk to your favorite sandwich shop instead of hopping in your car. Find ways to incorporate light exercise into your lunch hour routine and you’ll not only enjoy a chance to stretch your legs and get your eyes off of screens, but you’ll also reap the health and mood benefits of endorphins. Even extended stretching or mild calisthenics can provide rejuvenating relief in short order.

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PLAY CATCH UP Sometimes catching up with an old friend or family member can brighten your day and give you a morale-boosting outlet beyond the office. During your next lunch hour, why not combine a jaunt around the block with a call to catch up with your sibling or college buddy? Shifting your focus from work and centering instead on a comforting interpersonal relationship can really boost your mood and reinforce your personal values.

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CHANGE YOUR TUNE

SOAK UP THE SUN If you’re tempted to eat your lunch at your desk while staring into the same computer screen that you’ve been working on for hours—think again. Sure, a busy schedule sometimes means making that sacrifice, but when your schedule and weather permits, try to take your lunch outside and disconnect from your office setting. Soak up the sun, feel the breeze, and lift your gaze to the horizon instead of toward your phone or computer screen. The mood-boosting benefits of time spent recharging outside are well-documented, and a change of scenery can give you the boost you need to power through your afternoon to-do list.

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Use your lunch hour to treat your senses. As you eat or get active, try queuing up your favorite music or the latest episode of your favorite podcast. If you focus on the same tasks and stimuli for too long, your brain will fatigue and your focus will erode steadily over time. Shift gears and treat your mind to some music or stimulation outside of your daily tasks. You’ll help yourself relax, recharge, and create a natural transition point for your ensuing afternoon workflow.

Your lunch hour isn’t just about being purely functional. If you want to maintain a steady rate of productivity and leave the office satisfied by the progress of your day—use your lunch hour wisely. As important as it is to nourish your body, also consider nourishing your mind. No matter what your chosen outlet may be, don’t overlook the power of a well-spent lunch hour and the positive benefits that are sure to follow.

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