Sitting under fluorescent lights and straining your eyes in front of a glowing computer screen isn’t the most health-conscious way to spend your day. Unfortunately it is a part of most of our lives so rather than complaining, let’s do what we can to take care of ourselves and our health while at the office.
Here are my 5 tips to keeping fit while at work.
Invest in a Standing Desk
On average, we sit over 9 hours a day and the risk factors of doing so are shocking: metabolism plummets, good cholesterol drops, and the risk of diabetes increases. Standing desks have been credited with lowering the risk of chronic illnesses associated with sitting for long hours and can even increase productivity.
These desks are an investment and well worth the price. I haven’t taken the plunge so can’t give my suggestion, but so a bit of research as this has become super popular. Until you take the plunge, try sitting on an exercise ball in place of your desk chair for a little dose of cardio and core work.
Healthy Snacks/Packing Lunch
Keeping healthy snacks at/near your office desk is not only easy on your waistline but also on your wallet! Meal planning and packing a lunch keeps you from going out and spending money on fast and usually unhealthy food. Surveys find that Americans spend on average $3,000 on lunch a year! Save money and stress by keeping a stock of fresh carrots, celery, hummus, kale chips, nuts, seeds, and healthy snack bars like Larabar in your desk drawer or in the office fridge.
Fast tip – get a group of friends from the office to join in on the brown bag club and eat together outside so you can experience a bit of nature. You can also swap items for a more interesting dining experience!
Get some more tips by downloading my FREE guide to healthy snacks, here.
Go for a walk
Sitting stagnant staring at a screen for hours at a time is just as bad for your body as it is for your mind (not to mention, your poor eyes). Log off for a few minutes and take a walk around your block. Walking in nature resets your vision and your body and allows it to become reacquainted with the natural world. The U.S. Health Department recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, so get moving and enjoy that sunshine (or even that cool wind)!
Extra tip – when I worked in an office I use to sneak out into the stairwell and walk the stairs for 10-15 minutes. It was really energizing and enlivening to get my heart rate up – and nice to not be glued to a screen.
Stretch
Sometimes a full 30 minute walk is out of reach in a truly hectic-office day. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get the blood flowing in another way. Don’t forget to stand and stretch. Do your favorite yoga poses, meditate, take deep breaths, touch your toes. You’ll feel clear-headed, revived, and more productive.
Sip Water
One of the best and easiest ways to stay fit is to constantly sip water throughout the day. Our organs need water. Our muscles. Our bones. We are more water than anything else! Staying hydrated, particularly on these stunning summer days, is essential for our well-being.
We’ve discussed the benefits of infused water before. They’re a fun and tasty way to incorporate higher water intake into your daily life. Keep a glass or ceramic bottle at work for easy refills and sip away!
Implementing these tips into your work routine has the power to transform your health. If you really want to kick your health into gear fast, and without punishment or deprivation, consider the 21 Cleanse Program and experience what real health looks and feels like.
Not ready for a cleanse but looking for a quick start and a bit of accountability? Schedule a free strategy session with me and let’s explore possibilities.
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