How to Incorporate Wellness into Your Day

I think you would agree that daily workouts can be quite difficult to fit into a busy schedule. Have you thrown up your hands and abandoned this goal altogether?  The all-or-nothing mindset so common when considering exercise and other practices that benefit your body is harming your health. Let’s talk about how we can put that mindset to rest and how to incorporate wellness into your day.

Let’s start with the definition. A workout doesn’t have to mean an hour and a half of sweating at the gym.  Whew! There are ways to sprinkle wellness into your everyday life, and even into your workday.

Here are a few ways to focus on wellness during your workday, wherever that is …

Check your transportation
Your workday essentially begins as soon as you leave your home in the mornings.  Ideally, you could walk or cycle to work instead of using public transportation or your car.  Not only is this great exercise, but it’ll also allow you to start your day off in a much calmer way, rather than stuck in traffic.  If your workplace is too far for this option, you can still add movement by parking as far away from the building as possible.  Doing so will create the opportunity to walk a bit further, getting some extra steps in.  Once inside the building, skip the elevator and take the stairs.  You’ll be amazed at the difference it’ll make over time!

Make your office space greener
An excellent way to lighten your mood at work is to make your workspace comfortable and inviting.  Find some plants that don’t need a lot of sunlight and add as many as you’d like to your office area.  Live plants will also assist in cleansing the air in your office, which is an added benefit to the beautiful scenery.  Aside from the greenery, keeping your office space clutter-free will help you feel more productive and less stressed.  So, creating an organization routine you can maintain will help keep your office space running smoothly.  Don’t forget the photos of your loved ones to lift your spirits, along with positive affirmations to visit daily!

Sit up straight – like Mama said
Good posture is a conscious effort we must make to incorporate wellness into our day, especially when we slouch in office chairs for most of the day.  I know, I know — it’s more comfortable usually — but the long-term effects are not.  If you need a better chair, it is well worth the investment.  Visit your local office supply store to try some ergonomic chairs in person.  Good posture will assist you in concentrating better, and lessen those backaches you take home with you daily.

Make use of your lunch break
It’s time to stop working through your lunch break while you munch on a snack from the vending machine!  One of the best ways to add wellness into your workday is to bring a healthy lunch.  It doesn’t take much effort to make meals for the week on a Sunday afternoon — explore the many varieties of Mason Jar meals that can be prepared in bulk to grab from the fridge each day.  If there’s time, squeeze in a 10-minute walk after you eat for better digestion and a clearer mind.

Always have healthy snacks nearby 
I get it — sometimes when you’re racing against the clock to meet a deadline, you crave a sugar boost to keep you going.  Keeping healthy snacks in your office is a fantastic way to incorporate wellness into our day and help curb your snack cravings and protect you from the vending machine.  Dried fruit, nuts, or dark chocolate are great options that will keep in your desk without going bad.

Don’t forget to drink your water
Ah, water – often so undervalued, but truly essential.  Staying hydrated will help your focus and give you natural energy.  Dehydration is one of the leading causes of fatigue, headaches, and cravings.  So, be sure to keep the water flowing into your mouth throughout the day.  You won’t regret it!

Simple Changes

These are simple ways to begin implementing wellness into your workday every day.  You’ll find that the positive changes will reveal themselves quickly, and you’ll crave the good feelings these choices will produce.  It’s not about perfection — true wellness is about finding ways to fit it into your schedule, and about making the best choice from what you’re given.

What are a few ways you plan to add some wellness into your workday?  Leave me a comment below and let me know what’s on your mind.