How To Improve Productivity At Work Through Wellness

It can feel like work and wellness are two separate categories of care sometimes. We forget that one does not have to exist separate from the other. I remember when I first started working after college, I wouldn’t dare take a moment for myself while on the clock. However, as I got older and more experienced (and tired of being tired all the time!) I realized it’s in my best interest, and my boss’, to do what I need to do to look, feel AND perform my best.

If reading that lit you up, and you feel called to incorporate more of your wellness practices throughout the work week, this blog is for you! In honor of Professional Wellness month, I’ll be sharing how to add some wellness to your work day, and ways to improve productivity thanks to these practices!

Wellness At Work

What is wellness at work? To me, it means staying healthy, happy and motivated. Notice that I didn’t associate work alone with those adjectives. One of my favorite quotes is “how you do one thing, is how you do everything.” If I’m motivated to workout and eat well, I’m more likely to be motivated to rock my “work work”. If I’m happy at home, I’m more likely to be happy in the workplace. See how it goes? Wellness at work is important because it contributes to overall well-being.

How To Improve Productivity

Here are my top five tips to help improve productivity, while also prioritizing your wellness at work!

1. Take Sun Breaks

I can’t stress enough how important natural sunlight is. Even working from home I make sure to step outside and either walk or sit in the sun for at least 10 minutes without distractions. No phone, not even a book, just soak up some rays. Natural sunlight is a great way to reset your circadian rhythm (our sleep-wake cycle), improve energy and focus, and also contributes to boosts of serotonin! [1] Think of your sun breaks as a recharging station! 

2. Make Yourself At Home

If the chair or desk you were provided at work doesn’t make you your happiest, most productive self, request a swap! Even if you bring in something of your own you’ve purchased, it will make all the difference! My suggestion is a desk that can alternate between a sitting and standing desk. The change in position will not only support you physically, but mentally too!

3. Take Your Lunch Break

This is so underrated! Of course, there are times when deadlines are coming and working through lunch sounds better than missing your 5:30 spin class, but in general, take. your. lunch. Here’s why: Eating in front of a screen is going to take a toll on your digestion in a few ways. For one, you’re less focused on eating and more likely to chow down without chewing thoroughly. Second, the lack of focus and chewing will cause you to get hungry sooner, experience gas or bloat, or all of the above. It’s worth it to take your lunch into a break room or outside (even better), so you can feel great long after you’ve eaten. It also serves as a breath of fresh air stepping away from your desk.

4. Call in Backup

We all have days where we’re a bit down. Instead of reaching for a cupcake for breakfast, or a beer at lunch, opt for something that will make you feel great in the short AND long term. Herbal supplements that contain things like ashwagandha are shown to help reduce stress. [2] Stress is the catapult for so many issues like digestive problems, poor mood, skin flare ups, and more. All of which can impact your well-being and your work day! Skinny Gummies is a simple, tasty way to knock the stress! It contains ashwagandha, vitamin D, zinc, and spinach!

5. Stretch It Out

Sitting in the same position all day can be taxing on the body, mind and spirit. Each time you step outside for your sun break, make note to stretch your body! It doesn’t have to be anything crazy, but simply sending your arms up overhead, bending left and right, taking a forward fold, and even some mini lunges in place will help get some blood flowing through the body. If you can, take walks between stretches!