For a lot of people (minus the ones who do stuff like taste-test ice cream for Ben and Jerry’s) work gets stressful. It’s a part of life. Sometimes it’s totally out of our control. Unfortunately as you probably know, stress can have some pretty significant effects on your physical health as well as your mental health. But you can’t just…not work…which means that making sure to do everything you can control to stay healthy at work is extremely important. But who has the time? These simple tips will get you started.
1. Don’t Eat Lunch At Your Desk
Simple as that. Yes, everyone’s busy, but you need a mid-day break to keep from getting completely overwhelmed. Plus, focusing on your food helps you not only enjoy it more but also keep from overeating.
2. Take a Mid-Morning or Mid-Afternoon Walk
If you’re sitting at a desk every day (which is pretty common) it’s likely that your heart rate stays very low throughout the day. Shake things up by taking a 10 or 15-minute walk around your building. Use it as an excuse to call that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.
3. Purell, Purell, Purell
If you work in a big enough office, you know that at one time or another there is at least one person who is sick. It’s an unspoken rule. So there’s no harm in preparing yourself. Keep a stash of sanitizer on your desk and use it whenever you remember it. Make it one that smells nice instead of like rubbing alcohol so it’s more fun.
4. Keep Healthy Snacks Nearby
When you’re in the middle of a stressful day, you probably tend to eat whatever’s nearby. That’s when your deskmate’s candy bowl becomes your downfall. So keep better-for-you snacks in your desk drawers. Snack bars, dried fruit, whatever works for you to mindlessly munch but still keep your resolution going.
Want to always have better-for-you snacks on hand at work ALL the time? Order a Love With Food office snack box today!
5. Stay Hydrated
That doesn’t mean coffee. Getting enough water will help keep your mind clear and focused, which will help with overall stress. Plus, most people don’t get enough water anyway. Keep a water bottle on your desk like your snacks, and just take another sip whenever you think of it.
6. When You Leave Work, Leave Work
This one can get tough. A big project due tomorrow, that one annoying coworker who NEVER seems to leave and is always laughing with your boss - there are plenty of excuses to just keep working. It’s not worth it. When you’ve gotten to the point where you’re losing focus, it’s not random. Your mind and body are ready to to give it up until tomorrow. Listen!
7. Don’t Be Shy, Bring Those Leftovers
It’s tempting to just go along when everyone decides to go out for Italian for lunch - again. But that starts to add up. Pack up your leftover dinner in some Tupperware and bring it to keep temptation away. Sure, it’s not the most exciting food - but hey, it doesn’t have to be boring. Check back on the recipe section of Noshable for ideas!
8. Don’t Go It Alone - Find A Friend
The easiest way to stay motivated to refrain from the fancy lunch, get out for a walk, or refill that water bottle? Do it with a friend! Grab one of the people at work that you actually like and resolve to stick to those good habits together. Split the difficulty and complain about it all with each other.
Feature photo by Flickr user Rubbermaid Products
What’s a better-for-you habit that you’re sticking to at work? Tell us in the comments below!
