So, it’s March… the time of year when some of us have already sheepishly, and quietly given up on our New Year’s resolutions, right? And, you probably think that it’s impossible to practise healthy habits at work unless your company has an in-office gym or catered meals every day.
However, recent studies show that the recommended 30 minutes of cardio five times per week, may not undo the health risks of a sedentary lifestyle. Yikes! Truth is, healthy is the new sexy and since we spend an average of 70% of our day at the office, it’s up to us to add healthy habits into our workday. Yep, if you want to live a healthy life, your good habits need to follow you to work as well.
It’s no secret that healthy workers are among the happiest, and most productive at their jobs. The choices you make throughout your workday can affect all areas of your life, and the best way to make health work is to make it a habit.
Let’s peek at habits to jump-start your health and productivity:
Get enough sleep. Your workday starts the night before. Time Magazine reports that anywhere between 6.5 to 7.5 hours of sleep is the optimum of hours per night not to feel groggy in the morning. And, getting less each night is the equivalent of coming to work drunk. Sleep deprivation can cause slow reaction, slurred speech and lower cognitive function. Not to mention you look like heck – hardly the way to impress your boss!
Wake up happy. Our mental health is equally as important as our physical health. So, give yourself something to look forward to every morning. For some people, that’s exercise. For others, it’s a warm cup of coffee. What do you look forward to?
Bring positivity to your workspace. Put up a few sticky notes with positive reminders to keep you on the right track.
The. Stairs. Avoid the elevator to elevate heart rate.
Use a better office chair, stand up while working, and take regular breaks.
Drink on the job. Water off course! Did you know that even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, moodiness and problems focusing? Drink your eight glasses!
Ditch the heels. In a study published in The Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found that long-term high heel use (40 hours per week for two or more years) compromises muscle efficiency in walking. Heels can shorten the fibre of your calf muscles. Eek! So, leave the heels at home on regular workdays, and bring them out for special occasions only.
Pack your own healthy lunch and snacks.
Surround yourself with “health nuts” at work. Find an at-work workout buddy, someone who will make sure you walk out together when there’s yoga on the agenda.
Schedule a walking meeting. Lace up and take meetings on a stroll, enjoy the sunshine, stretch your muscles, and get those creative juices flowing!
Cheesy we know, but implementing a solid breathing technique can reduce stress. More oxygen reduces the stress hormone, cortisol in your body.
Unplug from your day in the evening. Unplugging is an important part of stress recovery after work to mentally recharge for the next day.
We are all products of our habits. Good habits? Bad habits? That’s your choice. Have a healthy, happy day!
Source: www.inc.com, www.wisebread.com, www.ivyexec.com, www.getmomentum.ca, www.themuse.com, www.businessnewsdaily.com, www.td.org, www.corporatewellnessmagazine.com, www.wellworksforyou.com, www.besthealthmag.ca, www.womanshealthmag.com, www.fastpulse.co.za
