Whether you have a “desk job” like me or a more active working routine, there are some quick and easy actions that you can take to improve each workday.
Here are my favorites:
- Keep a glass or bottle of water on your desk. The benefits are many, with my motivations being more energy and fewer headaches. Bonus: Refills are the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and do a quick mental reset.
- If you’re not an early-morning exerciser, look for fitness classes or gyms that you can visit during your lunch break. It is truly great to leave the office at the end of the day knowing that you have already worked out.
- Audit your workspace set-up. Does your chair encourage correct posture? Is your computer screen at the correct height and angle to avoid neck strain and are you sitting the recommended 20 to 40 inches away? OSHA has tips.
- Allow yourself 30 more minutes of sleep. Sleep deprivation is significant: Don’t live at 80%.
- Keep fresh fruit, serving-size portions of nuts, or your favorite guilt-free snack in your desk drawer. When the chocolate chip cookies show up, you’ll be able to combat the temptation and instead choose to indulge a few times a week when you aren’t just eating for distraction.
- Seek out a little daylight. If you often don’t leave the office before the sun goes down (I’m guilty here), make an effort to take a quick break for a walk or spend a few minutes working by a window to refresh yourself. Sunlight boosts vitamin D and serotonin levels.
- Take time to sit up straight and breathe well. Sad but true, too many people spend their time slouched over their desk or steering wheel barely remembering to breathe. Oxygen is vital.
- Keep your sunglasses and a travel-sized sunscreen with you so that you can be prepared to enjoy the outdoors anytime without worrying about UV rays.
