Most of us make a New Year’s resolution list or at least think about how we can improve the New Year. And on that list, most of us will write something to do with our health. Eat better! Exercise more! Unfortunately, let’s face it, by mid-January a large percent of us will have thrown in the towel. The stores will have swapped out the latest, newest health trend for Valentine’s goodies and those silly yet delightful Cadbury eggs and, well, life happens.

So between home, work, appointments, kids, demands, etc., how do you keep that “healthier you” New Year’s resolution alive? It is the last place I would have expected, but a few changes in your office habits can send you well on your way.   Below are a few simple ways to keep yourself on track to achieve that new healthier you.

  1. Hoof it – Instead of parking in the front row next to the doors, park a few spaces away or better yet, a block or two away. Every step counts!
  2. stairs-health_benefits_graphicSkipping – Skip the elevator and skip up the stairs. Okay, so you don’t literally have to skip up the stairs, walk, jog, skip a few steps here and there – you get the point. Take the stairs on the way down too, different muscles will be working!
  3. Walk & Talk – Do you have a meeting scheduled with a coworker that doesn’t require a bunch of extras? See if they are willing to make the meeting a “walk and talk” meeting. What a great way to energize and get that creative vibe going!  Learn more about the “Benefits of Walking Meetings” here
  4. Stretch, Stretch, and Stretch – Try to take a few minutes here and there to stretch from head to toe. Neck rolls, wrist circles, torso twists are some great simple things you can do at your desk space to keep the negative computer effects at bay and ease tension in the ever so overworked neck muscles.
  5. Soak It Up – When the weather permits eat your lunch outside in the fresh air and soak up some Vitamin D. Vitamin D has been shown to help in weight loss and improve mood! 10-15 minutes will do the trick. Just make sure you skip the sunscreen for this brief period as studies show even an SPF of 8 blocks 95% of the vitamin D.  Learn more
  6. Face Time – Instead of sending that email to a coworker or picking up the phone. Head out for some face to face time. This also helps build stronger office relationships.
  7. H2O – Drink Up – Not only are you getting all the benefits of drinking your eight glasses of water a day, but the more you drink, the more trips you will take to the bathroom and the more calories you burn.
  8. fit@work_watchMove! – Try to make a goal of getting up from your desk and moving for a few minutes every half hour to hour. It’s as simple as a jaunt up and down the stairs.
  9. Snack Time – Pack one of your desk drawers and/or your mini fridge with healthy snacks for that mid-afternoon craving (you know, the craving that would normally take you to the vending machine). Have your snacks proportioned into individual serving sizes so that you stay within your goals. A few minutes of prep on the weekends will save you from bad choices and extra calories – cut up veggies, measure out trail mix, nuts, berries – find the snacks you will eat and stock up. This is also a money saving tip and who doesn’t want to save $$? You don’t have to give up chocolate either, try going with dark chocolate and mix it with some nuts.

 

While these tips may not melt off inches, they will help keep your mind and body active and motivated giving you that extra energy boost to power through your day keeping you on track to achieve that “healthier you” New Year’s resolution. Healthier living is all about healthy lifestyle choices becoming habits. Small changes = big rewards.

 

Good Luck and Keep Moving!

Autumn Gilleard

About the author:

Autumn Gilleard, was born and raised in Western Montana Autumn lives on a ranch with her husband, two daughters, and son. She enjoys spending time in the outdoors with her family 4-wheeling, fishing, rafting, and hiking. When not out on a adventure with her family, you can find her at the Missoula Taekwondo Center. Where she trains as a black belt and part of a competition team. (She is Worth the Fight……Hahahahah)