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Did you know that the best mid-day escapes often include a sweat session? Sure, taking a lunch break is important, but research has shown that working out in the middle of the day may be just the thing to stay on track and boost your productivity. 

- Keep it simple with these tried and true mid-day workout tips

- Try out some of these workout ideas to make the most of your limited lunch-break

- Learn just what a mid-day workout can do for your body and stress levels

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Why taking time out of your day for a mental break is key to a healthier, more productive life.

A 10-hour work day; getting to the gym; taking the kids to soccer practice; cousin Kate’s wedding this weekend; what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner? This thing called life can be stressful and busy.

But as life gets busier, it’s even more important to take time for yourself and give your mind a break.

Taking breaks is vital to overall health. Continued strain on your brain can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue and mental exhaustion.

Did you know? Nearly 80 percent of U.S. employees don’t even take a lunch break.

Yet studies show that taking regular breaks of even 1.5 minutes can increase productivity by more than 6 percent, while breaks of two minutes can increase productivity by 11.5 percent.

So what type of activities should you do to give your mind a rest? Try some of these activities:

·      Get outside and take a short walk.

·      Read a book, even if it’s for 10 minutes a day.

·      Stretch – try some yoga moves – I love finding quick stretch routines on Pinterest.

·      Doodle or color – Adult coloring books are all the rage – Keep one nearby, even in your desk at work.

·      Take a nap. Who says napping is for college students? Even 10-20 minutes will do.

·      Put on your headphones and listen to one or two of your favorite songs.

·      Talk to a friend/coworker. Step away from your desk to chat about non-work related things with someone.

·      Try meditation – the ultimate relaxation technique.

·      Observe nature – take a look out the window at your office or take a walk in the local forest preserve.

Taking just a few minutes out of your day to give your mind some relief can result in a more productive day and an even healthier life.

What do you do to give your mind a break during the day?

Protein Bar and Advocate Health Care are exploring the benefits of mid-day escapes all month long. #theproteinbar #PBescapes 

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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our cold-pressed take on a classic! Get happy hour ready with the Sweetgreens-arita! #cincodemayo #theproteinbar

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At this time of year, we crave the warmth and energy of the sun more than ever. And, this Earth Day, just like every day, we are inspired and captivated by the natural power the sun can bring. To celebrate, we want to see some of your most creative and breathtaking sun-centric photography!

Beginning April 22 through May 13, submit a sunscape photo by tagging @theproteinbar on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, or email your photo to [email protected]. Images must scale to 1920x1080 to be eligible for consideration.

One winner will be chosen to receive an exclusive Protein Bar Swag Pack and have their photo featured on the Protein Bar blog and social media channels (reaching 50,000+ unique users). Additionally, all photo submissions will have the chance to be prominently displayed in-restaurant with a photo credit.

So, what are you waiting for? Join us as we celebrate the true beauty of our planet and share away!

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Brad Cooley and Ned Matheson, founders of #FIT36 in #Denver, CO are letting us in on their morning routines! Find out exactly how they rise and thrive. #theproteinbar 

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#CorePowerYoga Instructor Helen Holmes shares her tricks to rising and thriving! #theproteinbar

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#CorePower Yoga #Denver Instructor Laura Sparks shares how she makes the most of her mornings! #theproteinbar #riseandthrive 

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Catherine Doyle, Personal Trainer at Vida Fitness in DC, shares her tips for truly rising and thriving in those early morning hours! #theproteinbar

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Corinne Clifton, owner or Reform Pilates Chicago, shares how she makes the most of her mornings! #theproteinbar #reformpilates 

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Alicia Miller, Michael C De Chant, and Heather Dunfee of Reform Pilates Chicago share exactly how they make the most of those crucial morning hours! #theproteinbar #reformchicago #riseandthrive 

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Sara Pittman, Chicago Yoga guru, is sharing her favorite breakfast #eats, and exactly show she makes the most of her mornings! #theproteinbar #riseandthrive 

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Kelly Amshoff, Group Fitness Manager at Fitness Formula Clubs #Chicago, is chatting breakfast with us this week! Learn what she does to make the most of her mornings and truly #riseandthrive! #theproteinbar 

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#Denver! Join us 2/24 for a VIP Healthy Hour featuring Jessie Snyder of #FaringWell! See you there... #PBspice 

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Join Protein Bar for an evening of Eastern Influences in Lincoln Park! No RSVP needed - see you there! #PBspice #theproteinbar

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The ladies of #DCDining share their favorite seasonal recipe, with a super spice twist! #PBspice #theproteinbar

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Lauren Imparato, author of #RETOX, shares her favorite Protein Bar bites! Plus, come meet and greet with Lauren next Monday 2/15 at Protein Bar 221 W. Washington in Chicago at 10:30 AM! #theproteinbar

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Jessie Snyder from Faring Well shares her favorite super spiced up recipe - a deliciously exotic Thai Red Curry Cauliflower served over Thai Ginger Cilantro Rice!