Between work, family life, social commitments, and more, we all lead busy lives.
It can be tough just getting out the door with matching shoes on in the morning, let alone being able to put our best foot forward! The fast pace of our world and the volume of responsibilities and distractions we all face, however, make it more important than ever to approach each day with our own health at the forefront.
The benefits of a healthy lifestyle go far beyond a trimmer waistline or better muscle tone; those who invest in their health ultimately reap the rewards of more energy, higher confidence, and increased focus—all of which can positively shape both your personal and professional lives. If good health promotes better drive and motivation, it stands to reason those healthy employees are more successful—and those who are happier and more satisfied at work are going to be more likely to keep up with healthy habits, setting off a cycle of positive outcomes!
But for a true investment in health, employees should be considering not just their physical health but also how that interacts with their mental and emotional health. This National Employee Health and Fitness Month, here are a few ways you can take a holistic approach to your health to become a healthier, happier employee:
Work/life boundaries
Especially in this pandemic age, the lines between work and home have blurred, and that’s part of what’s driving such unprecedented levels of stress among employees. Stressed-out employees could be at risk of making unhealthy decisions when it comes to eating, exercise, and other dimensions of health. Draw some hard lines around your work and personal life to reduce those risks: For instance, don’t overcommit to work shifts and make sure to take any time off that comes your way. If you work remotely, create a hard stop each day, after which you won’t check emails or messages. And no matter if you work from home or on-site, build in breaks throughout the day to invest in some self-care.
Functional fitness
When we’re focused on work and all our other responsibilities, it can be hard to prioritize exercise, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still ways to invest in your physical health. During breaks at work, for instance, take short walks or schedule a quick jog on your lunch break, and skip the elevator for the steps. And if your employer offers any type of wellness offerings like gym memberships or access to yoga classes, take full advantage! Taking time out of your day to tend to your fitness isn’t just good for the body—it can offer significant stress relief and serve as a reminder of how important and beneficial it is to make your health a priority.
Brain-boosting nutrition
Busy workers on the go may be tempted to opt for fast food or even skip meals, but good nutrition can be a surefire way to find success. High-sugar foods and heavily caffeinated drinks, for example, may give you a quick boost during the day, but you’ll likely come crashing down later—making your productivity and focus take a major hit! Instead, stock up on healthy snacks like fruits and veggies or nuts to keep you fueled throughout the day and challenge yourself to up your water intake.
Building healthier habits can sound like a daunting task but if you take it small step by small step, you may soon find that your health has improved by leaps and bounds. This National Employee Health and Fitness Month is a great time to make that first step!
