Wellness at Work
Healthier living means making healthy choices, both at home and
at work. Many employers recognizing that healthier employees are
more productive and place less strain on health insurance
premiums have adopted company sponsored wellness programs. These
programs include everything from work place fitness centers and
health screenings to offering incentives for quitting smoking
and losing weight.
If you are fortunate enough to work for an employer that
sponsors a wellness program it makes sense to take advantage of
the perks that they offer. But, the fact that your company
doesn't offer a wellness program does not mean your efforts to
get fit, lose weight and live well, have to be put on hold
during the work week. Here are a handful of healthful tips that
will support you in living well during your 9-to-5: Take a
Stretch Break -- Pause at least once every two or three hours to
get up from your desk and stretch. You can bend over and touch
your toes or you can clasp your fingers and raise your arms
overhead. Stretching improves flexibility and increases
circulation. It is also a good way to clear your mind and
relieve any stress that may building up in your neck and
shoulders.
Avoid Eating at Your Desk -- One way to reduce your consumption
of empty calories is to declare your desk area or work space a
food free zone. If you think about the food usually consumed at
your desk, it tends not to be healthful. Limiting your intake of
unhealthy snacks is critical to achieving your weight loss and
wellness goals. The key to limiting your intake is closely
monitoring your portions. It is almost impossible to pay
attention to how much food you are consuming while you are
answering emails and talking on the phone. That's why developing
the habit of eating away from your desk can lead to a healthier
(and possibly slimmer) you.
Spend More Time at the Water Cooler -- Make it a point to stay
hydrated throughout the day. This is important for two reasons.
Often times when you think you are hungry you are in fact
thirsty. Drinking lots of water is one way to stop the hunger
pangs that often derail your weight loss and wellness goals.
Secondly, according to F. Batmaghelidj, M.D., author of You're
Not Sick, You're Thirsty! , "Water is the main source of energy
formation in the body. Even the food that is supposed to be a
good source of energy has no value to the body until it is
hydrolyzed by water and energized in the process."
Control Clutter - One the biggest threats to our overall health
and well-being is stress. And nothing triggers stress like being
surrounded by piles of papers and stacks of clutter reminding
you of everything you need to do. Pausing periodically
throughout your day to organize your desk and tame the paper
tiger will go a long way in improving your overall sense of
well-being.
Find a Partner - Making a commitment to live well while at work
is not easy, and you will need support. Finding a co-worker who
has similar goals and is willing to encourage you in staying
focused on your goals can be your secret weapon in the battle to
adopt a healthier lifestyle at work. You can meet at regular
intervals to discuss your progress, offer suggestions in
overcoming specific challenges and celebrate your victories. The
most important thing you can do is hold each other accountable
for doing what needs to be done in order to live a healthier
workaday life.