We spend the most parts of our lives at the workplace, well; just about everyone does. So it’s not a stretch to think that our habits at work can clearly affect or at the very least influence our weight management. We have all got 168 h in our weeks and if you spend 8 h at work five days per week and get 8 hours of sleep every night – a jaw-dropping third of our life is work-related. So it’s definitely important to have your work habits work to your advantage rather than the opposite:
1. Water Cooler Magic Quenching your thirst with litres upon litres of water will aid your body in removing waste, brighten that skin tone as well as assisting your weight loss in two ways. If you drink a few glasses of ice-cold water before your meals you are less likely to super size whatever you are having, and by hydrating enough you’ll also help your liver in converting fat into energy. So, take every chance to get around to that water cooler or keep a water bottle at your desk if you want to save yourself the trip. And if your workplace isn’t fitted with one, make sure it is.
2. No Candy Bar or Soft Drink Machines A good friend of mine had an entire company lose an average of 3-10kg per employee over two months by simply removing their soft drink vending machine. This convenience was indeed damaging their health. If you can’t get yours removed without becoming everyone’s enemy, make sure you leave your bills and cents at home, and if you have to, make your mates at work promise to never ever lend you any money for the vending machines.
3. Healthy Snacks If you know that you always get hungry at work, come prepared with healthy alternatives. It is far more convenient to only having to reach into your backpack or drawer to get that healthy snack and far better for you as well. Try to have a small snack every 2-3 hours.
4. Lunch Walking Your lunch break is a great opportunity to get out and enjoy some fresh air while you’re having your lunch. You get the benefit of a walk, a breath of fresh air and a well deserved break from your work environment.
5. Worlds Quickest Nap If you are one of those people who can fall asleep anytime at any place, then this will show you how to recharge your batteries almost instantly. Sit ad lean back comfortably and place a mid-sized object in your hand (either one). Place the same hand so that if you drop the object, it will hit the floor. Now, shut your eyes, lean back and try to fall asleep. The moment you enter la-la land you will lose the grip of the object you held on to, and as it hit the ground, you wake up. Instant recharge!
Anders N W Lindgreen is a Certified Fitness Specialist. Visit his website for free articles and e-books featuring the unbiased truth on Personal Fitness Training and Corporate Health and Fitness.