Staying Healthy at Work

Most of us want to build healthy habits that stick. Despite our best intentions, many of us struggle to make healthy changes as we try to keep up with the demands of our daily lives. As we devote most of our time and energy to work and personal commitments, our health often takes a back seat. When making healthier choices, the first thing that comes to mind is the compelling physical benefits that it provides but the impact they can have on how we work is not emphasized enough. Even for busy people in demanding roles, there are simple, practical choices you can make throughout your workday that can have a positive impact on your health and well-being.

Eating well at work

When we think about the factors that contribute to workplace performance, we rarely give much consideration to food.? For those consumed by the daily work grind, food is basically fuel to help us stay on top of work commitments. The demands of work can often lead to unhealthy behaviors like relying on fast food, processed food or sugary snacks to stave off hunger. Of course, these convenient choices can come at a cost to our health.

Mindlessly eating unhealthy snacks when we’re stressed can actually strengthen unhealthy food cravings.? The next time you’re tempted to reach for those snacks, it’s good to try to be conscious of what you’re feeling. If you’re in the throes of a stressful work situation and you’re looking for comfort or distraction, see if you can take a healthier approach to manage your stress.

?Manage your food environment by bringing healthy snacks to work and planning your meals ahead of time to avoid temptation. Eating more mindfully can help you perform better at work as it boosts work productivity, reduces fatigue and lowers stress.?

Exercise as part of the job

Exercise can be beneficial to various aspects of our work life. It helps us feel more energized throughout the day, sharpens our mind and helps relieve stress. The effects of exercise can also significantly elevate your mood which can help foster collaborations and build better connections at work.? Research also suggests that people who exercise regularly also have a greater sense of self-efficacy which carries over into their professional life?

If committing to a full exercise regimen feels overwhelming, consider incorporating physical activity into your work day.? Whether it’s making more trips to the water cooler, taking a walk during your lunch break, stretching exercises, using the stairs or maybe even parking your car farther away to get those steps in, some physical activity is definitely better than none. Whatever activity or setting you prefer – – the key is to engage in a level of exercise that is doable, sustainable and enjoyable.

Hydration impacts your productivity

Dehydration can have a significant impact on our productivity and performance at work. Even mild dehydration can cause fuzzy thinking. When we don't drink enough water, our bodies don't have the fluids necessary to carry out basic functions. This can adversely affect your attention and focus, perception, memory and coordination.

Water may not always be everyone’s beverage of choice but soda and energy drinks aren’t better options either as they can do more harm than good. Drinking water more often can also prevent mindless eating as we often mistake thirst for hunger. Before you reach for that snack, try drinking water and after a while try to see if your craving fades.

Regardless of how you go about cultivating healthier habits, try to reframe it as part of improving your work productivity and overall quality of life. Taking charge of your health doesn’t need to be a daunting concept. Embracing the power of small changes and modest goals can add up to significant improvements and lay the groundwork for a healthier lifestyle that you can eventually sustain.