Tuesday, March 8, 2016

For All You Health Nuts

If your desk job is taking a toll on your health goals, this one's for you.

I've worked in the corporate world for 7 years and before that, I was a NCAA Division I athlete. Coming from a life of activity all day and transitioning to the dreaded wheel we all know as wake up tired, commute, sit at a desk, 2pm sugar or caffeine fix, commute, maybe gym/maybe cook/most likely Netflix, fall asleep too late... Repeat.

In collaboration with Nuts.com, today I'm sharing my favorite workplace health hacks to get the most out of your long hours in the office making that money. 


Work on your Feet

I've been shouting about the benefits standing at work for years. It helps with your posture, your flexibility, your core strength and your overall mobility. I don't mind that most introductions begin with a handshake and 'yeah, you're the girl who never sits down'. It's how I work happier and healthier. I don't stand all day and I'm not a sitting snob, but I am thankful that my office provides adjustable desks and encourages workplace ergonomics. 

Jam to a Feel-Good Playlist

I know that some of you don't have the opportunity to be tuned out with music all day, but bring your headphones to work and find the moments where you can sneak in some feel-good tunes. You know, to dance to while you're standing at your desk. I've recently been streaming my favorite Portland radio station to give me some lovely memories of home, even with the commercials included. If that's not your game, find me on Spotify then get started with your own curated playlist for a feel-good workday. 

Smile

Want an instant mood changer? Follow these very wild and extreme steps:

1. Smile.

Good, that's it! How do you feel? My guess is that you feel a little lighter, stress wiped away from your face and you just made the people around you feel your radiating good vibes as well. It's amazing that something this obvious could be considered a 'hack', but don't you agree that happy-you makes better choices for your health and happiness?

Stay Hydrated

One of my personal checklist items for every day is 120oz of water. If I don't meet my goal I owe $2 to our 'adventure fund' that's used for the fun things we do as a couple. Start with baby steps if this is out of your range, but my best advice to get more water into your body is to always have some by your side. If it takes a cute water bottle to get it done, do that. If it takes setting timers on your phone for benchmark goals, do that too.

What won't work? Saving it all for the end of the day. You'll feel terrible and you'll lose out on a lot of sleep with all the times nature will call in the middle of the night.

Take a Walk

An easy way to cure the office blues and quell the stress of your day is to get outside for a walk in the sunlight. With the weather about to turn, it's going to be a daily requirement to take a walk around the office and to get out into the fresh air to refresh my mind and gain some perspective. Try to schedule your next meeting as a "walk and talk" to see if you can find your walking buddies around the workplace. 

Keep Healthy Snacks Handy

I'm giving IIFYM a try and it's been essential for me to space out my day with smaller meals and protein packed snacks. This means having nutritious options that won't fail me when the hunger pangs hit, saving me from giving in at the vending machine or the sweets that co-workers bring into the office all year round. Have you checked out the Healthy Snacks for Work on Nuts.com? Trail mixes, dried fruits and energy squares are the top picks from their registered dieticians. See if you can find something you like!

Take the Stairs

I work on the highest floor of my office, which is only the 2nd floor, but if I were on the 5th I'd be taking the stairs too. If you work in a place where the elevator is your go-to, try to get out a few floors earlier and opt for the stairs the rest of the way. You could always make friends with someone on another floor or just start to use the restrooms on other floors and pretend like you're the new girl (or guy) in the building.

Get your free printable checklist here and tell me how you make your own workplace a healthier environment!



*I was compensated with social media karma for this post, these healthy hacks and opinions are my own.

15 comments

Emilie said...

This is exactly what I needed to read today :) I just started working at a desk after years of entry-level cook-waitressing jobs and it's a HUGE change.

MakeMeUpMia said...

Taking walk breaks, mini sessions to get my heart rate up and good music are my go-to's at work! Hope you're doing good, congrats on your new house too :)

Nadine said...

I really wish I could have a standing desk at work. We literally are tied to our phone and computers at my office. I try to get up once every hour and a half and walk around the building once and refill my water so I am at least taking a break and getting my water in for the day. Love nuts, I snack on them literally every day!

Amy's Fashion Blog said...

I do a lot of these when I'm at work. My co-workers hate all the water I drink. Due to I go to the bathroom a good amount.

http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/

Life with Lolo said...

How cute is your little checklist?! I am good about water but I need to work on everything else. I have been (now that I can walk!) taking the stairs everyday and I'm on the 6th floor! It always leaves me huffing and puffing in the mornings but the butt kick also wakes me up!

MacKensie said...

lolololololol

Kenzie Smith said...

These are all such wonderful tips! I have a desk job that requires me to do a lot of sitting so I try my hardest to go on walks on my breaks and get up as often as I can to just walk around even if it is just for a quick run down the hall.

Yesenia said...

This is perfect. Definitely following these healthy tips. This will really help with me being stuck in an office for 8 hours a day!!

Kristen @ See You In A Porridge said...

lol @ social media karma
i do the water. i hate nuts. i actually am just not a snacker. i did smile and it made me feel better though. i am currently sitting on my booty and really need to stand more. also, i used to work on the 3rd floor and would take the stairs (only 2 flights of stairs) and now we moved to a different building and i am on the 8th floor... and haven't taken the stairs once. we've been here since november. for shame!

Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky said...

my husband made his own standing desk at work!

BLovedBoston said...

I seriously swear by my apple watch tapping me when I've been sitting too long!! It's the best! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

Adriana from Glitter & Sarcasm said...

I love this. I actually gained a bunch of weight after working in an office for a year. I used to be so active and now I sit at my desk all day! I work in a small office though so I've started walking to talk to someone rather than calling them on the phone. Drinking water has totally made a difference too! I just generally feel better at the end of the day, plus I have to get up to take bathroom breaks more often!

Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre said...

I take the stairs on my lunch break. Get those quick intervals in whenever I can :)

Anonymous said...

You so smart. Also every time you mention IIFYM I get impressed and awed all over again because I just..can't.

P!nky said...

Love the idea of a standing desk, wish we had that option here.