1. PACK YOUR LUNCH
The key to avoiding another sad
desk lunch at the office is simple: It's all about the make-ahead recipes. Find
a smart recipe that you can make in bulk and enjoy eating all week. Instead of hitting Chipotle again, pack a healthy lunch a few
times per week to take with you to work. Go for something simple like an almond
butter sandwich with raw honey and banana on Ezekiel bread with some chopped
cucumber, tomato and feta cheese topped with lemon juice. Or make a big batch
of chopped kale and quinoa
marinated in lemon juice and olive oil, tossed with diced avocado to be eaten throughout the week.
2. STRETCH
Instead of hitting the snooze
button, take 5 minutes each morning to stretch out and wake up your body.
Stretching not only gets your blood circulating and warms your up, but it also
reduces stress and increases muscle strength.
3. SWITCH TO TEA
Instead of your afternoon coffee,
reach for a cup of antioxidant infused green tea for a pick me up. Not only is
it a much healthier dose of caffeine, but the health benefits of green tea are
also endless.
4. BE ECO FRIENDLY
Choose an everyday item that you
can give an eco-friendly upgrade. Switch to a reusable water bottle, pack your
lunch in a mason jar or switch to BPA free Tupperware.
5. BREATHE DEEPLY
Each morning, close your eyes and
take a moment to consciously take 3 deep breaths. Inhale deeply for 5 seconds
through your nose, completely filling your lungs. Hold for 3 seconds before
exhaling from your mouth for 10 seconds. In addition to the health benefits
such as cleansing of the blood that comes with breathing deeply, it will also
wake up your mind and body, ground you and get you energized and focused.
6. DRINK MORE WATER
Get a 32 ounce reusable water
bottle and carry it with you throughout the day. Keep it on your desk or
somewhere that will most often be in your line of vision. Not only will be have
a constant reminder to drink water every time you see it, but you will also be
able to gauge where you are at with your daily water intake. If your goal is
drink 64 ounces per day, then you know you need to finish two of your 32 ounce
water bottles by the time you hit the sack.
7. GET SOME SUN
If you work inside all day, take a
15 minute break to go outside and sit in the sun. Try to find a spot where you
won’t be bothered by other people, such a coworkers. Sit or stand in the sun,
take some deep breaths, feel the air on your face and just let go of the day
for a few moments. Not only will you will get some vitamin D, but you will also
feel refreshed and re-energized to go about the rest of your day.
8. GET MOVING
It can be difficult to be motivated
to get some exercise during the work week when you’re tired, stressed and have
deadlines. But there are simple ways to get moving with little effort! For one,
try to take the stairs as opposed to the elevator. Every time you climb a
flight of stairs, your body releases chemical endorphins that make you feel
happy and calm. It also helps boost your energy and relieve stress, so next
time you need a little break walk up a few flights of stairs. Or on your days
off from work, get some exercise by going on a hike or get through your errands
by walking to the supermarket, the drycleaners or the pharmacy.
9. RELAX ALREADY
At least once a week, take an hour
in the evenings to recharge. I know you have to make dinner, catch up on
emails, blah blah, but it is super important to give yourself a break. It will
make you more productive, less stressed and much happier! Once a week take a
bath for at least 25 minutes. Soak in a hot bath with Epsom salt and lavender
oil, turn down the lights, light a candle, put on your favorite music and
relax! Don’t think about work or how upset you are over this or that. Just take
the time to be present with yourself, paying attention to your breath and your
body. Afterwards, lather yourself with some organic body oil or lotion and have
a nice cup of hot tea. You will thank yourself later.
10. SNACK HEALTHILY
Avoid the vending machine
altogether and sweets that we feel we need when we are working hard or stressed
by bringing some healthy snacks with you to work a few days a week or when you
know you will have a long day. Separate some healthy snacks into a few
different Tupperware that you can grab in the mornings on your way out. Some
great snacks are carrots, celery and almond butter, cucumber, fresh fruit,
granola and hummus. I also like to keep
a couple of homemade granola bars or Quest Bars in my bag just in case.
Labels:
Health and Beauty
