6 Ways to Prioritize Wellness During the Workday

When you’re busy at work, it can be difficult to find time for your health and wellness. You might feel selfish taking time to care for yourself during the workday, but you shouldn’t. Every job comes with stress. Taking care of yourself will help relieve that stress and ultimately boost your productivity and motivation.

Even though workplace stress can be a burden, it doesn’t have to be when you establish the right habits. Prioritizing your wellness during the workday will support a healthy balance, energy and productivity.

Here are a few tips to enhance your mind and body at work.

1. Support Your Posture

Sitting at your desk with poor posture can strain your body and lead to neck, shoulder and back pain, headaches, stress and injuries. However, making a few adjustments to your workspace area is the key to maintaining better posture.

For example, a chair with an ergonomic design can support your back and do wonders for your health and productivity. Another way to enhance your setup is by positioning your computer screen at eye level. This keeps your head at a neutral angle and sets your shoulders comfortably.

2. Establish Work Boundaries

Most people don’t know how to say no while at work. As a result, they often overextend themselves with extra assignments to a point where they burn out.

Burnout is common in those who have trouble setting boundaries. Immense pressure at work can lead to anxiety, depression and relationship problems. Take charge of your mental health by being firm, honest and polite when you can’t take on any more projects or responsibilities.

3. Prep a Healthy Lunch

It can be tempting to run out and grab food at a fast-food restaurant, whether you work in the office or at home. Making meals may seem too time-consuming, especially when you have such a busy schedule.

However, eating healthy lunches is the perfect way to prioritize your self-care. It can boost your mood and productivity levels throughout the day. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, whole grains and lean proteins, which can improve your gut health and keep you energized.

If you feel like cooking isn’t your thing, meal kit delivery services provide everything you need to get you through the day. You can take healthy, delicious meals with you wherever you go.

4. Establish a Routine

Prioritizing your wellness doesn’t always come naturally. That’s why it helps to create a daily schedule you can stick to each day.

Just like you have scheduled meetings and phone calls in your calendar, you should also use your schedule to set aside time for your health. Doing so helps you make time and stay accountable for your health and wellness goals.

For example, you could schedule a five-minute meditation break to help you ease your transition between work tasks.

5. Decorate Your Space

Decorating your workspace is one of the most basic ways of prioritizing your wellness. It can be as simple as framing an inspirational quote and placing it on your desk.

You could also add a few plants to incorporate greenery and create a natural environment. Plants can produce a positive atmosphere and produce cleaner air, allowing you to take in more oxygen. They can also reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure and boost work efficiency.

Overall, decorating your space elevates your mood and can benefit you in the long run.

6. Keep Your Desk Organized

A tidy desk can contribute to less stress, increased productivity and feelings of being in control. Consider devoting a few minutes throughout the workday to keeping your desk organized.

For instance, suppose you have papers and leftover sticky notes from the day before. Prevent your space from getting out of control by filing important documents and throwing out irrelevant items.

It also helps to give everything a place, so you know where to find things when needed.

Clutter can have significant effects on your mind and body. It encourages unhealthy habits and can reduce your productivity during the week.

Prioritize Your Time for Self-Care at Work

Make time for yourself at work to support a healthy work-life balance. Start by setting wellness goals for yourself. When you care for your physical and mental health needs, you produce more output and boost your efficiency.