HOW TO STAY MINDFUL AND CREATE HEALTHIER WORK HABITS

With the majority of waking hours spent at the workplace for most, have you ever noticed that you may have slipped into some mindless habits? Here are few adjustments to help you get back on track.


BY: JOANNA LI, RD

From cupcakes to donuts, there always seems to be a special occasion at work.  While it’s sweet of your coworkers to bring in treats for the team, they are no longer special occasions when you’re having them every week. It has simply become a routine.

Here’s how you can be more mindful of your workplace habits:

Mix it up with fruit.

When it’s your turn to bring treats, set a healthy example at the office and bring fruit into the rotation instead. Somebody will be sure to thank you for an alternative option to mix up the snack rotation.

Question your hunger.

Sometimes you can mistaken thirst for hunger, so try sipping a cup of tea or water instead, which may help curb your cravings.

Keep your own snack stash.

If you really need something to munch on, keeping your own nutritious snacks comes in handy when you are hungry. Instead of the brownie your coworker is offering you or hitting up the vending machine for goodies, reach for your own stash of trail mix, nuts, fruit, nutrition bars, popcorn, carrot sticks and hummus.

And don’t forget to keep the candy dish off your desk! Move it out of your office or if you must have one, use a container that is not transparent so you can’t see the candy. If you really need a treat, remember you have a stash of healthy snacks.

Get moving.

A sedentary lifestyle naturally happens when you’re sitting all day at your desk. Take a break by getting a standing desk (or make one by stacking boxes and placing your laptop or computer monitor on top!).

You can also consider setting an alarm to remind yourself to refill your water bottle, which forces you to get up to move around, and also helps you stay hydrated throughout the day.

During your lunch break, venture out to a lunch spot further than the one you usually hit up or take advantage of your break and use half the time to take a stroll at a nearby park or just around the neighborhood.

Happy healthy workdays!

Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: BETHANY NEWMAN

Joanna Li, RD is a Registered Dietitian based in NYC, and is currently a nutrition coordinator helping to improve the health status of low-income pregnant women and their children. For more on Joanna’s love of sharing healthy and delicious meals, visit her at Just My Cup of Jo.