Often times we find it hard to stay “healthy” at work. However, there are a few steps that anyone can easily incorporate into their day at the office, that will help contribute to staying healthy. While they aren’t going to replace your morning workout sessions, they will help keep you feeling good – both physically and mentally.  Here are my 5 Healthy Work Habits To Start Incorporating Into Your Day.

1. Get in extra steps – It’s all about the steps. While experts say we should aim to get 10,000 steps per day, we’re all aware that isn’t easily achievable if you’re working a “desk job”.  So, get your extra steps where you can: Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Pace around while on conference calls. Park further away from the front door. Go for a walk during lunch. Have a weekly step challenge with coworkers – find an app such as Runtastic Steps or Pacer – where you can log your progress to really make it competitive!
2. Work standing up – We know it’s bad to be sitting all day long, so why not get a standing desk? Half the staff here at Diligex has standing desks, and we’d never go back to sitting. I personally feel a lot more focused when I’m standing now as opposed to sitting, and my posture also thanks me for standing! If a standing desk isn’t feasible for your office, at least make it a point to get up and stretch often throughout the day.
3. Eat well – Eat breakfast before leaving for work. The last thing you want to do is arrive at work starving, and settle for a breakfast donut. Bring your lunch from home too, and make sure you’re drinking your water throughout the day, while also trying to limit the caffeine (I know, easier said than done). If you go out for lunch, try to make healthy decisions; so many restaurants have light/healthy options nowadays it shouldn’t be too hard. Also, make sure that you always have healthy snacks on hand. That should make passing up the M&M bowl in the kitchen is a little easier when 4pm rolls around and you’re stomach starts talking to you.
4. Start a weight loss challenge – If the step challenge with your coworkers went over well, take it up a notch and start a weight loss challenge in the office. It’s a lot easier to stay on track with healthy habits when everyone around you is trying to do the same. At the end of the challenge, schedule a celebratory outing for the group to go out for drinks, errr salads – you’ll all deserve it!
5. Reduce stress – For a lot people, stress really makes you go off track with healthy habits. We won’t go as far as telling you to stay stress free, but try to keep your stress level to a minimum. Do what you can to reduce stress: Meditate. Get fresh air. Engage in non work related conversations throughout the day. Grab a stress relieving toy. Take mental breaks. Work Efficiently.

Finally, while we know work is a priority, and takes up much of our day, make sure you take advantage of your “free time”. Whether it’s hitting the gym after work, watching a movie with your children, or simply having a glass of wine with your spouse at dinner – we all need, and deserve, to relax and do the things we enjoy. A good work/life balance is key to reducing stress and staying healthy.