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5 Ways to Live Healthier at Work
2016’s top New Year’s resolutions: 41.1 percent of you want to live a healthier lifestyle, and 39.6 percent of you want to lose weight (according to this survey). Surprised? Neither were we. When the ball drops in Times Square, these same self-improvement goals crop up year after year. This can only mean these resolution-makers didn’t meet their goals the year before. And who can blame them? It’s tough to find energy for the gym after a full day’s work. It’s hard to pack a healthy lunch and get two kids to school on time. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.
The solution? Get more from the hours you have, with these five healthy (and easy!) lifestyle choices you can make at work:
- Even office jobs offer ways to work your body (beyond your weight-bearing booty). If you work in a multistory building, taking the stairs can improve your circulation and overall health. Be sure to exercise your eyes by changing your visual focus now and again. And are you walking around the office on a regular basis? Walking, like stretching, is a great way to get the blood flowing to the brain and body. It’s also an easy way to get face time with coworkers, by paying a visit instead of calling or emailing. And don’t forget about walking outside during rest and meal breaks, especially if you have a buddy to walk with you.
- EAT HEALTHY. You may not have time to pack a healthy lunch at seven in the morning, but you could pack one at seven the night before. If you find yourself in a fast-food line, portion control is more important than what you order. And remember to eat breakfast first thing in the morning, and to choose something light if you’re not that hungry. Skipping breakfast stalls your metabolism, may cause you to binge at lunch, and may nudge you toward poor pick-me-ups—but avoid coworkers’ candy jars at all costs! It’s hard to say no to delicious goodies in a decorative dish, but try to snack on fruit for an infusion of natural sugar.
- DRINK WATER . . . AND COFFEE. Even minor dehydration can take a toll on your energy level. So load up on beverages throughout the day (and if you’re snacking on fruit, good water-rich choices include grapefruit, grapes, oranges, and apples). Tea and coffee are included in your daily beverage count. You can even set an alarm to remind yourself to drink up.
- Dozing at your desk—probably not the best choice unless you own the place. But napping in your car at lunch can have you returning to work refreshed and more productive.
- Take a second right now to focus on your breathing. Were you taking short, shallow breaths or long, deep ones? When people are stressed, their breathing gets quick and shallow. Over time, this breathing can become a habit that tricks the body into acting stressed when it isn’t. Concentrate on taking slow, deep breaths to calm your body and mind, and to deliver the oxygen you need to function at your best.
Be your healthiest you in 2016 through steps so simple, you can wrap them into your workday. Your personal and professional lives will thank you for it!
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