It’s 8am and I’m sitting at my desk sipping on my coffee and
checking my voicemail when an email pops up, “doughnuts in the staff lounge!” My
first thought, “Man, a doughnut would go pretty good with this cup of coffee
right about now.” At 11am another email pops up, “want to grab lunch today? I
was thinking something fast and cheap, maybe a slice of pizza.” My next thought, “That sounds so much better
than spinach salad I brought. I also wouldn't mind getting out of the office for while.” Once again at 3pm an email
pops up “birthday cake and ice cream on the third floor, help yourself.” Does
this all sound a little too familiar? If it does, your office might be
sabotaging your health. The good news, it doesn't have to be this way. So grab
your coworkers, enjoy the tips below, and before you know it you’ll be on your
way to making your workplace a healthy place!
Start a lunch
club: Starting a lunch club in your office is a great way to enjoy a
quick and healthy meal, save a little dough, and catch up with coworkers. What
is a lunch club you ask let me fill you in. A lunch club is basically a group
of folks who take turns bringing in enough lunch fair to feed all club members. How
amazing would be to have chili for lunch Monday, a giant quinoa salad for lunch
Tuesday, whole grain spaghetti with veggies for lunch Wednesday, etc…and you
only have to spend one evening a week cooking? Before starting, make sure
everyone is on the same page regarding dietary guidelines.
Keep fresh produce
on hand: Every Monday a giant box of fresh, organic, locally grown
produce is delivered to our office. Having fresh produce on hand ensures that
there is always something healthy within reach. When someone brings in a box of
doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, or birthday cake and it sounds pretty tasty,
an apple is available as a healthy and sweet alternative. Or when breakfast was
hours ago and it’s not quite lunch time a handful of grapes is only a few steps
away. With a quick internet search you can find out if a similar delivery
service exists in your area. If no such service exists, take turns with your
coworkers bringing in fresh, healthy, snacks.
Get out of the
office: Many days just wanting to get out of the office is a good
enough reason to trade in your packed lunch for a restaurant or fast food
lunch. This can be avoided by identifying a few places outside of the office
where a brownbag lunch can be enjoyed. Is there a park close by with picnic
tables or benches? An employee lounge with tables, chairs, and microwaves close
by? Maybe you’re crunched for time, take a five or ten minute walk then enjoy
your packed lunch at your desk after you've had some fresh air and a chance to
stretch your legs.
Keep water close
by: Are you someone who doesn't drink enough water? Keeping a reusable
water bottle close by can help change that.
Find a fun reusable water bottle to keep at your desk. Set a goal, for
example one bottle before lunch, one bottle during lunch, and one bottle after
lunch, and do your best to stick to it. Does filling your water bottle up in
the bathroom or at the drinking fountain freak you out? Grab a few coworkers and pitch for a water
cooler. If you’re paying for it, you’re more likely to use it.
There is no reason why your workplace has to sabotage your
good health. By collaborating with your coworkers and incorporating the tips
above you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier workplace in no time!
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