For many, work is where work is a priority and home is where health is a priority. The two don’t overlap much. But shouldn’t they? After all, this is not a sustainable model. Failing to merge the two can result in burnout, fatigue and a general dislike of your day-to-day job. Maybe it helps to have some perspective: the average person spends 50% of their waking hours between Monday and Friday at work.
To live your best life, wellness has to be found in your workday as much as it is in your home and personal life. If you think your work space could use more wellness solutions, champion the idea with these seven tips. They come from a holistic nutritionist who has run corporate wellness programs for a number of top companies, including Google, Facebook and Unilever.
Are you ready to shake up your environment?
Rework working lunches
A great work perk is having catered lunches for meetings or special occasions. However, the typical menu often includes sandwiches, pizza or other heavy options that can result in low energy for the rest of the day. Instead, take responsibility over what is ordered and research healthier, lighter takeout options that come with more vegetables and protein.
Set an example with smart snacks
No one wakes up telling themselves, “I think I’ll eat three cookies this afternoon.” Rather, you reach for the junk food, because there are no other options when you’re feeling hungry. As a workplace wellness champion, make sure there are healthy snacks available. If you work in a metropolitan area, check out snack delivery companies with wholesome ingredients. Outside a major city? Set up a recurring order for healthy foods at Vitacost.com. You can get a mix of munchies that suit all dietary needs, including gluten-free chips, paleo-friendly jerky, vegan protein bars and more. Another idea is to enroll in a food-sharing group or food co-op, which will bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the office. At the very least, set the example for everyone by keeping a basket of fresh fruits and single-serving packages of nuts on your desk or in your company’s breakroom.
Offer lunch-and-learn hangouts
Another way to champion wellness is to educate people on ways to take control of their health. Lunch-and-learn sessions are a perfect opportunity to bring coworkers together. You can even explore non-traditional wellness concerns, such as parenting and financial wellness. Some of the more popular topics include “eating for energy” and “stress-busting strategies.” Talk with your coworkers to see who may have expertise in different areas of health, or who may know an expert interested in presenting to your company.
Offer office challenges
Challenges often bring out the competitive side in people, which can be an excellent form of motivation and inspiration for many others. Try facilitating something as simple as a 30-day meditation challenge or weekly squat or plank challenges. These are fairly easy and inexpensive (or FREE) to organize. If you have the resources, bring in an external company to run a company-wide contest that covers nutrition, fitness and mental health all in one!
Organize group exercise
Two of the main barriers to exercise are 1) making time and 2) actually going. When you bring the exercise to the office, it practically eliminates those barriers. One of the simplest ways to do this is with a walking or running group. Running with a friend – or 10 – helps hold people accountable. Your group can organize walks or runs for a set time. Again, if you have the budget and space to do so, bring in a certified fitness professional to lead pre-work, lunchtime or post-work group classes. Bonus: it’s good team building!
Schedule time for the fun stuff
Everyone’s calendars are jam-packed with meetings and to-dos. Remembering to have fun is an often overlooked piece of wellness. Did you know that downtime actually increases productivity?1 The occasional afternoon outside of the office is not only a reward, but can also build team camaraderie. Bowling, trivia night at a local restaurant or putt-putting are the kinds of activities you can find almost anywhere and can be enjoyed by all!
Walk the talk
Last, but certainly not least, one of the best ways to motivate others and be a leader in wellness is to walk the talk. When others around you notice that you are energetic, fit and happy, it’s contagious. You’ll notice more people asking what you ate that keeps you energized through the 3-o-clock slump, or what exercise routine you’re doing that you love so much.
Deep down, we all want to feel well in and out of the office. By using these tips to empower others, you’re well on your way to being a wellness champion!
This article was originally published on myvega.com by Mandy King, a Holistic Nutritionist with a corporate background and the founder of HEAL – Healthy Eating And Living.
- Coleman, Jackie and John. (2012). The Upside of Downtime. Harvard Business Review. Accessed 03.14.16. https://hbr.org/2012/12/the-upside-of-downtime