6 Ways to Be Healthier at Work

You walk into work Monday morning to a huge pile of papers, a coffee-stained mug from the week before and an email inbox so full you don’t even know where to start. Not only that, but you’re tired from the weekend and may have had a little too much wine. You simply aren’t ready for eight hours of sitting at a desk.

Dr. Jenni Bruning Brown, Fly’s founder, has a few simple tips for making your work week more pleasant, healthy and happy. Follow these 6 tips to be a little bit healthier at work.

1. Stand up and walk. Remember that we sit in front of a computer and that means we’re basically inactive. Jenni recommends a minimum of standing or walking for 3-5 minutes at least once per hour. Use this standing time to refill your water bottle, take a quick stretch or even move your laptop to a tall table.
2. Take a break. We all need to take a break. You need to make sure you take your lunch as well as refresh yourself at least twice during a work day. Taking your mind off of the tasks at hand can not only lift your mood but can give your brain the break it needs to come back with more ideas and increased productivity.
3. Make your workspace your oasis. Create a space for yourself that feels safe, comforting and stress-free. This can mean displaying photos, using an air filter, enjoying a massage chair or playing your own personal music in headphones. Jenni encourages you to “do what makes you feel good, productive and healthy. This will not only help you relax, but it will help you be more focused and control distractions.
4. Stay hydrated. Drinking water helps keep your energy levels high. Our bodies can also be craving water, but it can be difficult to distinguish that craving from one for food. Drinking water may help you avoid binging on snacks during the day, which can contribute to late afternoon lulls in energy.
5. Snack healthy. Keep a banana, apple or some raw nuts at your desk for times when your energy is running low. Research shows that it is far easier for us to grab a snack if it is sitting on our desk than if it is placed across the room, so isn’t it better if it’s a healthy option that will provide you with long-lasting energy? The simple addition of a banana or nuts to your afternoon will give you simple health benefits including improved mood and energy.
6. Make friends. Talk to your coworkers. Even though you may email every request and meeting notice, you might want to consider making some in-person connections at work. Sharing with others could make a major difference and be really positive for your workplace satisfaction. Jenni suggests starting small and seeing what great friendships you might find in the workplace.

Many of you spend over 40 hours of your week at work – how will you make sure that this time is contributing to positive health habits? You can also put in work during the work week with a lunchtime workout at our downtown location. This can help boost your energy levels and relieve stress mid-work day. No matter which healthy habits you enact at work, make sure you’re making time for yourself.