Simple Strategies for Workplace Wellness

WRITTEN BY Leah Payne Do you live to work, or work to live? Like it or not (especially in the sunny summer months!), many of our waking hours are spent at work. Why not make it as amazing as it can be? That’s where the topic of workplace wellness comes into play. Here are Alive Magazine's top tips for making your workplace a place you look forward to coming to every day. Stand up for your health As a society, we spend way too much time sitting—and it’s so bad for our health! If your job is sedentary, you may wish to invest in a standing desk, or one that transforms from standing to sitting. You employer may be willing to cover some or all of the cost, so bring it up in conversation. Other ways to get moving at work include taking the stairs rather than the elevator, going for walking meetings with your coworkers, doing office exercises during the day, and taking any excuse to talk to your coworkers in person rather than sending emails. Rethink your work-life balance Creating boundaries between your personal life and your work doesn’t mean you don’t love your job; it just means that you can give yourself time to rejuvenate, relax, and spend time with loved ones. Plus, having the proper balance for you means that you’re less stressed and have more energy. Here are some simple work-life balance tips.

• Keep a log of the hours you work outside of the office.
• Discover what gives you energy.
• Know when to ask for help.
• Learn how to prioritize and delegate.
• Set hard limits on when you respond to emails outside of work.

Make time for mindfulness Engaging in mindfulness practices, such as mediation and deep breathing, can seem at odds with the fast-paced world of deadlines, meetings, and conferences, but in reality, mindfulness can help us reduce stress, focus, and learn to be more present and productive. Want to learn how? Check out our article “Mindfulness at Work.” Consider your surroundings Is your workplace making you sick? Strange, but true: if you have a headache, sore throat, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, your office building may be to blame. Ensure your office building is safe by reading up on Sick Building Syndrome. Practise conflict resolution Conflict resolution sounds like something reserved for couples or family members, but considering the fact that we may spend more time with our coworkers than our relatives, it’s important to strengthen these relationships, too. Read up on how to express your emotions, detox your relationships, and deal with conflict. Gleaned from Alive Magazine Online