4 Ways to Be Healthier and Happier at work

4 Ways to Be Healthier and Happier at work

Summer fun often means many great reasons to eat well (fresh fruit and veggies!), move more (walks on the beach, bike riding!), and live healthier. Fall’s cooler temperatures and must-see-TV, on the other hand, bring more reasons to sink into the couch with a tub of ice cream.

But there’s a way to combat this. “Taking short, healthy breaks throughout the day is so beneficial for your health,” says Dalia A. Mohammed, MD, a family medicine physician at St. Luke’s Bub & Associates in Emmaus. With Dr. Mohammed’s help, we cover some easy ways to de-stress and get energized during your workday and combat the natural sluggishness of fall.

1 | Set a timer for every hour or half hour. When it goes off, do something that revs your heart rate—even if it’s just for 30 seconds—such as holding a plank, or doing a set of 10 squats, pushups, or jumping jacks. Not only will this help you stay in shape, but aerobic activity helps clear the stress hormone cortisol from your body faster, so you feel calmer and ready to tackle the next item on your to-do list. 

2 | Do you have a coworker who always makes you smile? Rather than sending her an email, get up from your desk and talk in person. Better yet, ask her to go on a walk around the office building—or the block—during lunch so you can move your body while you catch up. 

3 | Swap that second cup of coffee for some herbal tea. Too much caffeine will only exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety, whereas herbal teas such as peppermint, apple cinnamon, or lemon-ginger can have a soothing effect while keeping you hydrated. Better yet, sip it from a cute mug with an inspirational mantra, like “life is good” or “nothing is impossible.” 

4 | Do a little yoga, without leaving your desk chair! There are dozens of video tutorials on YouTube for desk chair yoga—featuring a combination of breathing techniques and gentle moves such as twists and bends—to help infuse a little movement into your busy day, even if you can’t physically leave the office.

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