A fresh look at a healthier workday
- Laura DeVito, Hungry Harvest
Even the best of jobs can take their toll. When workplace worries start to get the better of you, try a few of these simple ideas to help keep your mind and body operating at their peak performance.
1. Take it outside.
Fresh air is a magical cure-all. It can help calm your mind while also boosting your energy levels. So go for a walk or plan to hold your meeting in the sunshine.
2. Pack a healthy lunch.
When you bring your lunch from home, not only do you tend to save money and eat healthier, but you also tend to pack the correct portion size. Not to mention packed lunches help reduce food and packaging waste by using it as an opportunity to eat up leftovers stored in a reusable container.
3. Stay hydrated.
60% of your body weight is made up of water, so it makes sense that you need to keep replenishing that reusable bottle throughout the day. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
4. Snack healthy.
Traditional office snacks are often loaded with sugar and unnecessary carbs. Resist temptation and make it a point to use snack time as an opportunity to add to your daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. Stand up & move around.
Give your legs a stretch, your back a break and get the blood flowing. Just five minutes every hour could lift your spirits, reset your focus and lower your risk for diabetes, depression and weight gain.
6. Crank up the music.
If you can’t change your scenery, you can at least change the vibe in your cube, office or shared work space. Studies have shown that listening to music can actually help you focus on your work. Music helps improve your mood, stimulates creativity and makes you feel calmer. Plus, it’s a good way to learn more about a co-worker’s common interests, or if necessary, drown them out.
7. Give your eyes a break from the screen.
To reduce your risk of dry eyes or strain during prolonged computer use, follow the "20-20-20" rule: take a break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Better yet? Take a break from the screen altogether for a least a few minutes every hour.
8. Meatless Mondays!
Eating a plant-based diet has numerous proven and long lasting benefits – from weight loss to heart health to improved vision, upping your fruit and veggie intake just makes sense. For your health and for the environment, can you cut animal protein out of your diet one day a week?
9. Take the stairs.
Every extra step counts, especially if it means you are taking a break from sitting at your desk. Set a goal and try to reach it everyday. Over time, see if you can increase that number. Bonus points if they actually get your heart pumping.
10. Challenge to go zero waste.
Americans on average will spend 20 - 30% of their life at work, so it is a good time to work on creating habits that will carry over into the rest of their life. In addition to eating healthier and moving your body, what about trying to live a zero waste work life? Healthy habits are easier to form when you are motivated to do it with a friend or co-worker, so why not see if they are also up for the challenge?
Got any good tips for making a better workday that we missed? Share your thoughts on social and tag ‘em with #freshlook so we can add them here!
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