October is recognized across Canada as Workplace Wellness Month – a time to celebrate the importance of health at work and to reflect on the small, meaningful actions employees can take to improve their overall well-being. Each employee has the power to take ownership of their health and create daily habits that support balance, resilience, and fulfillment. Here are some ways to foster your own wellness at work this month and beyond.
- Take regular breaks: Step away from your desk or workstation to stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air. This helps reduce stress and prevent burnout. Stand, stretch, or walk for a few minutes every hour. If you seem to be forgetting, you can put reminders in your calendar so you get a pop-up on the hour.
- Prioritize physical activity: Look for opportunities to move your body throughout the day. This could involve using a standing desk, organizing walking meetings with colleagues, or participating in fitness challenges. If your workplace has a gym, use it and set a goal to go a few times a week.
- Focus on nutrition: Stay hydrated and choose healthy snacks to maintain energy levels and improve your mood. Keep healthy snacks at your desk or in a fridge nearby. Nuts, fruits, and yogurt are great options. If you forget to pack snacks and have a stash at work, you will be less likely to grab something unhealthy. Pack your lunch each evening for the next day. This is a great way to save money and you’ll have something healthy to eat at work.
- Set healthy boundaries: Clearly define when your workday ends to keep work from interfering with personal time. This is especially important for remote workers to prevent burnout. Depending on your job, you can include your work hours in your signature, this allows people to know that you may not respond until your next working day. Make sure it’s clear to those that respond to you, your work hours so they know when they can get a hold of you, unless it’s an emergency.
Manage stress: Practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. Organize or do your own daily stretch breaks. Go through a few flows to stretch out your body. Great areas to organize these are at the coffee machine. If stress becomes overwhelming, use available support resources like an Employee Assistance Program.
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MaryAnna Robbins CSEP-CPT, OFC RHEP – Group Exercise, Resistance Trainer, Yoga Fitness, Aqua Fitness, Pilates Mat Fitness
