Ways To Sneak Wellness Into Your Workday

Daily workouts can be difficult to fit into a busy schedule, and often, this causes us to give up altogether.  We can frequently have an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to exercise, but this way of thinking is harming our health.  A workout doesn’t have to be 90 minutes of sweating at the gym.  We can find ways to sprinkle wellness into our everyday lives, and we can even fit wellness into our workday.  Here are a few ways to focus on wellness during your day:

Park and Walk – Your workday essentially begins as soon as you leave your home in the morning.  Consider parking as far away from the building as possible.  Doing so will create the opportunity to walk further as you get some extra steps in.  Also, ditch the elevator and take the stairs.  You’ll be amazed at the difference it’ll make over time!

Make your office space greener – An excellent way to lighten your mood at work is to make your workspace comfortable and inviting.  Find some plants that don’t need a lot of sunlight and add as many as you’d like to your office area.  Live plants will also assist in cleansing the air in your office, which is an added benefit to the beautiful scenery.  Aside from the greenery, keeping your office space clutter-free will help you feel more productive and less stressed. And don’t forget the photos of your loved ones to lift your spirits, along with positive affirmations to read daily!

Work on your posture – Good posture is a conscious effort we must make, especially when we slouch in office chairs for most of the day.  I know, slouching is usually more comfortable, but the long-term effects are not.  If you need a better chair, it is well worth the investment.  Look up ergonomic chairs and visit your local office supply store to try some out in person.  Good posture will assist you in concentrating better, and lessen those back aches you take home with you each night. 

Make use of your lunch break – It’s time to stop working through your lunch break while you munch on a snack from the vending machine.  One of the best ways to add wellness into your workday is to bring a healthy lunch.  It doesn’t take much effort to make meals for the week on a Sunday afternoon — so hop onto Pinterest and discover some new, delicious looking healthy lunches you can take with you.  If there’s time, squeeze in a 10-minute walk after you eat for better digestion and a clearer mind.  Download my Simple, Healthy Lunch Ideas Freebie at my website for a fresh approach to lunch.

Always have healthy snacks nearby – I get it — sometimes when you’re racing against the clock to meet a deadline, you crave a sugar boost to keep you going.  Keeping healthy snacks in your office will help curb your snack cravings without resorting to the vending machine.  Dried fruit, nuts, dark chocolate or healthy granola bars are great shelf-stable options to store in your desk.

Don’t forget to drink your water – Ah, water.  It’s often so undervalued, but it is truly essential.  Staying hydrated will help your focus and give you natural energy.  Dehydration is one of the leading causes of tiredness, headaches, and cravings.  So, be sure to keep the water flowing throughout the day.  You won’t regret it. 

These are simple ways to begin implementing wellness into your workday every day.  You’ll find that the positive changes will reveal themselves quickly, and you’ll crave the good feelings. Remember, it’s not about perfection. True wellness is about finding ways to fit it into your schedule, and about making the best choice available with what you’re given. 

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.