Workplace Wellness Whisperer – Weekly Tips Summary (Dec 20)

Hello Wellness Seeker,

Did you know that according to an article in Chicago Tribute, “Employers spend upward of $8 billion a year on wellness programs & yet the programs underperform by most measures, and barely 25{1e16acf445973e61fdbd53de1c132af7e84fd195cf15d57956db2b0426c8fa60} of employers even try to understand how well their programs do”.

We need to recognize that our wellness journey and efforts do not stop when we are at work. The workplace is not just an appropriate venue but actually the very best one, provided that leadership is willing to make a long-term commitment to wellness programs.

I’m really excited to be sharing with you a summary of this week’s workplace wellness tips videos on my YouTube channel here and remember to hit the SUBSCRIBE button, so you don’t miss any videos.

These 5 tips are super simple and easy to implement. I love authenticity and practicality and I’m sure you do too. If you haven’t already, do check them out.

Tip #1– Create a Dedicated Office Space 

Ok so you may not have an extra bedroom for your home office,
however, creating a separate office space can help make you feel more productive.

A dedicated office space helps to avoid distractions and stay focused on the day’s tasks. Make sure your new workspace has natural light, all of your materials, and is away from too much noise.

If possible, avoid working on your bed or on the couch. Apart from the back pain, it will be difficult to get into a working routine in these spaces.

A separate working space also lets you disconnect at the end of the day. If your office is also the place where you sleep and watch television every night it will be difficult to differentiate work from relaxation.

What is your set up at home like?

Tip #2- Do You Have Plants in Your Home Office?

We’ve talked before about the health benefits of houseplants in your home. And the same is true of your office!

Whether you’re able to create a full-blown garden at your desk, or you just have one plant in a corner, there are a couple key reasons to add plants to your office space: Sadly, indoor air is typically much more polluted than the air right outside your office building.

But certain plants—like easy-to-care-for peace lilies, rubber plants and spider plants—are great natural air purifiers.

Adding them to your workspace can help to remove toxins from the air you’re breathing in.

Exposure to greenery from plants is shown to reduce fatigue, boost creativity and productivity, and may even make you happier! Woohoo!

I love my spider plant – which one is your favourite? If you don’t have a plant in your home office, which one are you planning to buy?

Tip #3- Smile For Optimal Wellbeing

Try this test: Smile. Now try to think of something negative without losing the smile. Difficult? Isn’t it?

Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, other natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together, these brain chemicals make us feel good from head to toe. Not only do they elevate your mood, but they also relax your body and mind.

Smiling is a natural drug. When you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed and it releases certain neurotransmitters.

Laugh out loud or laughter therapy are popular meditation strategies.

We are naturally drawn to people who smile. Smile and begin your day to unleash the universal power of positivity that sends the message “Life is good!” to your brain.

I challenge you to smile at a stranger today?

Tip #4 – Eye Exercises For Computer Eye Strain

We are using digital devices more than ever and my computer eye strain is REAL and can lead to dry eyes, blurry vision and even headaches.

When working on a computer it’s a good idea to follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. You can also try rolling your eyes in a circular motion with your eyes open and then closed.

To help lubricate the eye try slowly blinking every 5 seconds, I know it sounds easy but we often forget to blink as often as we should.

And my favourite one is rubbing your palms to create some heat, then gently cover your eye without pressing hard, open your eyes in the darkness and hum on your exhales to relax your eyes and your mind.

Try these exercises a few times throughout your workday.

Tip #5 – Sitting is the New Smoking 

Sitting is the new smoking!

Sitting impacts your health in a variety of ways. With more of us working remotely, you may feel like all you do is sit all day long! Research shows sitting for five-plus hours daily is equivalent to smoking 1.25 packs of cigarettes.

Another study showed a sedentary lifestyle may put you at risk for early death.

When possible, get up, stretch, host a walking meeting, or do a mini-workout to get your heart rate up and circulation going.

I set an alarm on my phone to move and go out in the sunlight every 90mins.

What is your strategy?

Get started with your workplace wellness strategy with my Workplace Wellness Calendar here

P.S. If you’re ready to leverage your workplace wellness strategy and explore how to optimize individual, team and your company’s performance, book your complimentary Workplace Wellness call here.

References:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/sc-wellness-programs-health-0720-20160718-story.html