Tips for managing your physical wellbeing at work
Finding a work-life balance can be challenging. Fitting exercise and physical wellness into your life can be even more complicated. Here are tips to help you achieve that balance.
Making good health and wellness decisions can lead to increased alertness at work, higher energy and the ability to influence others to make good decisions about health and wellness. You may even feel more productive at work and have reduced stress as you transition to the workplace and take on job responsibilities.
If you're transitioning to an office workplace, how do you practice good physical fitness during business hours when you have to be at your desk all day and may be surrounded by vending machines, birthday celebrations and on-the-go eating? Here are some tips for maintaining your physical fitness and incorporating good habits into your everyday routine at work.
Take frequent breaks to stretch. While your time at work is precious and you have a lot to accomplish each day, take time to stretch, walk, and move around when possible.
Don't take the easy way around. If your mobility allows, take the stairs and park further away. Adding more opportunities to move throughout the day will help you stretch and feel more energized, even when your schedule doesn't allow you to take many breaks.
Take lunch. You may think that eating lunch at your desk may help you be more productive, but you need that time to focus on eating, taking a break, regrouping and moving around. If you have a lunch break – 30 minutes or an hour – take the opportunity to step away for a little while.
Bring lunch from home. Skip ordering out and bring your lunch. Doing so gives you more control over what you eat – just be sure to think about nutrition and pick lunch options with protein, vegetables, fruit, fiber and other essential nutrients to help you feel full and nourished throughout the afternoon.
Exercise at your desk. If possible, incorporate ankle and wrist exercises into your daily desk routine. You can also bring resistance bands or hand grips to use at your desk.
Skip the celebration food. If your office celebrates birthdays and other events with cake or other food, don't feel like you have to eat it. Eating too much sugar during the day may lead to a sugar crash – feeling tired and unfocused – later in the day.
Find a fitness pal. Having someone in the office who views fitness the same way you do is helpful. You can encourage each other to make healthy decisions, like walking during your break.
After your workday, try adding a little more activity to your routine. Adult leagues are an excellent opportunity to meet people, maintain or increase your proficiency in a sport and have fun while exercising. Find out if your employer has a sports league you can get involved with, or you can research local sports leagues and join.
These tips are also helpful to people who are on the search for a job. If you begin practicing some of these activities today, you'll be even more ready to have a good work-life balance when you're employed.
Source: SSA: choosework.ssa.gov