Wellness at Work: Strategies for Staying Happy and Healthy in the Office
There are enough podcasts, books, articles, documentaries, and Instagram infographics to last a lifetime on the benefits of looking after our well-being, especially in today’s fast-paced work environment. However, when deadlines are looming and targets need to be met, maintaining a healthy lifestyle often takes a backseat to taking care of our professional to-do list.
However, as we know well at Grafter, work and life are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually beneficial – meaning that when you take the time to take care of yourself, your work will feel it too! With the following simple strategies, you can easily create a workday routine that promotes wellness in the office – for yourself, your team, and your business.
Working Walks
There’s good reason the lunch-hour walk tops most workplace wellness lists. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to incorporate physical activity into your workday. Instead of staying sedentary at your desk with a sandwich after a morning of sitting, a brisk lunchtime walk helps you get some much-needed exercise, as well as allowing you to soak up some vitamin D and clear your mind for improved focus and productivity in the afternoon.
For an added wellness boost, try turning some of your meetings and calls into ‘working walks’ as well. Have a long Zoom? Throw in your earbuds and chat while you stroll. Brainstorm session with the team? Take everyone out to the local park to get the endorphins pumping while you get some serious work done.
A Healthier Commute
Ditching the car for a commute by bike or on foot has incredible wellness benefits – for your body and mind, as well as the environment! When you choose a healthier commute, not only are you incorporating a little more physical activity in your day-to-day, but also, you’re helping to reduce carbon emissions – not to mention seriously decreasing the road rage that comes with a traffic-packed start to your day.
Many flexible workspaces, like Grafter, offer additional amenities to help make your new commute a breeze. Shower facilities allow you to start your day feeling fresh, and you’ll find secure storage for your bike storage in most Grafter locations. Start and end the workday on a positive note with a healthier, more environmentally friendly commute.
Sit-Stand Desks
You might have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” If you haven’t, the bad news is sitting for long periods of time has been linked to various health issues – including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
If you have trouble getting away from the desk for even a short stroll, consider swapping your traditional set-up to a sit-stand desk. With options for every budget, you can find a solution that works for you – whether that’s a handy laptop stand to sit on top of your current desk, or a high-tech Bluetooth desk that can move you up at the touch of a button. Simply standing can reduce the risk of health problems associated with prolonged sedentary behaviour and promote better posture and circulation.
And for Grafter members, you’ll find a state-of-the-art Bluetooth-enable sit-stand desk in each of our private office suites (plus, ergonomic chairs!). Get yourself upright or challenge colleagues to stand challenges on your desk’s handy app to foster a wellness-first environment in the office.
The Benefit of Breathwork
We’ve covered the basics when it comes to physical wellness in the office, but it’s essential to look after your mental health as well.
On days when your schedule is jam-packed with meetings (not to mention that non-negotiable deadline you still have to meet), making time for a desk-break is the last thing you want to do. Still, taking just five minutes to practice mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance overall well-being.
You don’t have to be a yogi to reap the benefits of breathwork. Find a short meditation or guided breathing exercise on YouTube and enjoy a few minutes to ground yourself. Your work isn’t going anywhere if you take a quick break to get your mental health in check, and you’ll find you’re better able for the task at hand once you’ve taken some time for yourself.
Designate Tech Shut-Off Times
It’s never been easier to connect with colleagues across the globe, or maybe just your grandparents across the county. We’re lucky to live in the era of mobile phones and hyper-fast connectivity…but sometimes, all that screentime can drain our own batteries.
We know it isn’t easy to log-off, especially if you’re working between multiple time zones. Shutting off for the night is best, but if you feel you can’t totally disconnect, try turning your phone on silent while you focus on the activities that nourish you – like an after-work gym session or dinner with the family. Communication is key: let colleagues know that you’re going offline for a few hours, which will give everyone an opportunity to recharge before coming back fresh for the task list.
Create a Supportive Environment for Wellness
Perhaps the most important tip has less to do with yourself, and more to do with your colleagues. Fostering a supportive environment where your team feels encouraged to seek support when they need it will create a holistic, healthy workspace for everyone.
Consider implementing policies like flexible work hours or remote working options that help employees prioritise work-life balance. Many businesses opt to provide additional services like employee assistance programmes or mental health resources – creating an open, communicative environment for team members will diverse needs and preferences.
Prioritising wellness in the workspace is essential for maintaining a healthy and happy workforce. Incorporating these simple yet effective strategies will not only help you feel your best, but also perform your best, enhancing overall productivity and job satisfaction. A healthy workplace is a happy workplace!
Your environment influences your work. Join a network of businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators who create their healthiest, most successful day at Grafter. Click below to learn more, or email sales@grafterhouse.com to find your new HQ.