Tis the season for holiday work parties, hot drinks loaded with extra calories, skipping the gym to cuddle up on the couch, and just general coziness! Unfortunately, cozy and healthy don’t always go together, and struggling through the work day to get to your much more fun after work activities means that it’s more important than ever to take care of your health at the workplace. So what can you do? Here are some tips for being your best self at work, so that your out of work self can relax just a little bit more…
Switch your coffee for herbal tea-Those late nights jingle-jangling about town may be cutting into your sleep, but that third cup of java in the morning isn’t doing you any favors. Jitters, anxiety, and even a bit of tooth staining-who wants that? Try a cup of peppermint tea to settle your tummy, and if you really need just a bit of a jolt to start the day, keep in mind that black, white, green, and oolong teas all have some caffeine-but also contain those antioxidants that protect you from the damaging effects of free radicals.
Brush your teeth after lunch-Okay, you could go so far as to invest in a bespoke 3d printed toothbrush (if you are so inclined, that is), but for the rest of us, a quick brush or swish of mouthwash after our soup or sandwich may be enough to prevent snacking in the afternoon. And a little extra dental care is good for the chompers!
Try a standing desk-Staring at your glowing computer screen for 8 hours a day isn’t just bad for your emotional and mental health, spending that time slouched down in your chair has been proven to increase the numbers of those affected by obesity, cancer, heart disease, and all other manners of ill health. Using a standing desk (or a combination sit-stand desk) to alternate the time you spend sitting with the time spent on your feet works to combat the damage that a sedentary lifestyle is doing to you.
So there you have it. Three simple ways to take better care of your own health during the holiday season, even when you’re working around the clock. Take care of yourself this December-it’s not as hard as you might think!