Do you sit behind a desk all day? Do you find it difficult to take a break and be active during your work day? If so, you are among millions of others who face the same challenge. You want to live a healthy lifestyle and be fit… but who has time? Well… if there’s a will, there’s a way.
Stay fit while you sit! The preceding link will bring you to an article full of tips to stay healthy at work.
Plus here are a few healthy habits that will help you remain healthy at work.
1. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. OK, if you’re on the 15th floor this may seem unreasonable, but you could take the first five flights then catch the elevator. And you may try to get to work early one day a week to take the 15 flight challenge. Maybe on casual Friday.
2. Pack your lunch. Packing your lunch is a great habit. If you have healthy lunch and snack options handy then that’s what you will eat. You will be able to respectfully decline the invitation to go to the pizza buffet… because you brought your lunch! Plus, when the 3pm munchies attack, you’ll be prepared.
3. Park far away and walk. Park as far away… maybe even a few blocks away and walk to your office. If you ride the bus, get off a few blocks early. This is an easy way to add steps to your day.
4. Do isometric exercises at your desk. An isometric exercise involves contracting a muscle without movement. Sit tall in your chair. place your hands at chest height and in prayer position and press them together as hard as you can. Hold for 30 seconds. Then link your fingers together and try to pull your hands apart as hard as you can. Hold for 30 seconds. Then place a book between your knees and squeeze it as hard as you can. Hold for 30 seconds…. you get the idea. Figure out other exercises you can do at your desk that no one will notice. Do them two to three times per day.
5. Avoid the candy jar. There’s always someone in the office with a jar of m&m’s or hard candy. Try to avoid walking by there desk. You may want to keep your own sugar free stash to satisfy a sweet craving.
6. Walk over to speak to your colleague instead of phoning or emailing them. If you are in the same building… get up and walk over to the person you need to speak to and talk to them face to face. Face to face communication is always more effective, plus you will get a few more steps in.
7. Have a big water glass at all times. Often we think we’re hungry when we’re really thirsty. Keep a large water glass at all times and try to refill it a few times during the day. So what if you have to walk all the way across the office to refill your glass and use the bathroom… you’re walking aren’t you?
8. Form a power group. Find a few people in the office that you can partner with in your fitness journey. Take lunch walks together, pack lunches and go sit outside (weather permitting) and soak up some sun, and when there’s an office event with doughnuts, ect… you’ll have moral support. And possibly you could bring a healthy option for your power group to enjoy.
Don’t let a desk job stand in the way of your health and well being. If you’re healthy and fit… your mind will be clearer, you’ll be more productive at work and you’ll be sick less, you’ll be more creative, your decision making skills will be sharper, you’ll have the energy to get the job done… the list goes on and on. Start today by adopting a new, healthy habit and begin the journey to a healthier, happier you.
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