Trying to stay healthy when you're busy at work can be a challenging task. With everything from constant emails and deadlines to stress, being healthy can often fall to the wayside. The key to committing to being healthier at work is to make it as easy as possible. If it’s the easiest choice it’ll be the first choice. Here are a few of our favorite ways to be healthier at work.
Water, Water, Water
This is probably the easiest way to be healthier. While it may be tempting to drink nothing but coffee and soda all day, you'll be doing yourself a disservice. Being properly hydrated improves how your body functions and you'll notice the difference. Start out with one small change, like taking a reusable water bottle with you everywhere. You'll be surprised at how much more water you drink by simply having it near you.
Meal Prep Your Lunches
We all know that packing a lunch from home is healthier for you than that greasy fast food place down the road, but finding the time to pack one every morning can seem impossible. An easy solution is meal prep. Pick one day during the weekend, like Sunday, and prepare your lunches for the upcoming week. You can even do small things, like chopping veggies or making a couple of sandwiches. By having these better-for-you choices easily accessible, you'll be more likely to reach for the carrots instead of driving down the block for some fries.
Move Around
We've all read the reports: sitting is killing us. While we can't all upgrade to standing or treadmill desks, moving around more during the day can help. Making simple changes, like parking farther from the door or using the bathroom on the other side of the office, will help you be a little more active during the day and help in remedying all of that sitting. If you really want to embrace this, try setting an alarm every hour or so to remind you to stand up and move around a bit.
Find a Buddy
Find a coworker who also wants to be healthier and team up. Having a partner will give you both accountability to stick to your plan. Thinking about skipping your afternoon walk? Knowing someone is waiting for you can be just the motivation you need to get up from your desk. If you really want to commit, consider starting a group at work that takes a daily walk over lunch or does a weekly, healthy potluck.
Staying healthy can be difficult, but with these small changes it can be a bit easier. What's your favorite way to stay healthy at work?