No matter what your profession is, here are 4 tips to make your workplace a healthy one.  

1. Drink plenty of water and reduce caffeinated drinks.  Did you know a symptom of dehydration is sluggishness?  When sluggish, we reach for coffee, soda or an energy drink.  Leave water at your station and drink throughout the day.  I’m not saying to cut caffeine all together because I LOVE COFFEE but staying hydrated and eating the foods that give us energy prevents that feeling.  Avoid sugar loaded drinks such as soda and most energy drinks. If coffee is your go to more then once a day, limit the added touches such as sugar, whip cream etc.  

2. Take a stretch break and become aware of your posture.  Staring at a computer screen for hours and sitting at a desk can jeopardize your posture.  Eventually, those that work at a desk or constantly staring down at their phone experience forward head posture – often called “Text Neck”.  According to Spine-Health.com,  

“Forward head posture increases the workload for many of the muscles attached to the cervical spine, which has the job of holding up the head. Over time, forward head posture can lead to muscle imbalances as the body tries to adapt and find efficient ways to hold the head up for straight-ahead vision.“  Stand up and stretch.  When you feel yourself leaning into the computer or looking down looking at the phone, bring your phone up eye level.  Be aware of your posture throughout the day or tell a co-worker to tap you when you should sit up tall.  

3.  Bring your food to work!  Do not fall trap to eating break room snacks, breakfast meeting items, ordering food daily, fast food or a co-workers treats?  Bringing food will not only save calories but also save money.  If you are in a position to create a healthy workplace kitchen challenge, I dare you!  DM me to explore this concept.  

4. Create a stress management plan!  Many people have high stress positions.  Listening to uptempo positive music alleviates anxiety and stress.  Studies show that when a person hears music they enjoy, the brain releases a chemical called dopamine that has positive effects on mood.  So turn up the tunes to bring down the stress.