The Conference Coach™

Have you ever wondered how to incorporate good health into the workplace?

Working full time can be an all-consuming time drain from the commute to the job, to dealing with chores and errands after work. Although most people want to stay healthy, it’s often hard to find time to devote to that process. As a former personal trainer with several years of experience in and around health clubs, I would like to share some tips on how to incorporate a healthy lifestyle into your workday.

When someone asks me what they need to do to be healthy, a whole range of different variables come to mind. Health is similar to a diamond, it is a valuable item to have and it is multi-faceted. Although health is a term typically associated with physical fitness, it also strongly correlates to your psychological and spiritual well being. One has to be both sound in mind and body to truly maintain a healthy lifestyle. Once we understand that we have to enjoy what we do and where we are, we can then focus on improving the vehicle we take to get there.

In order to transform the standard office workplace environment into one that encompasses our health and fitness needs, we have to look at what it takes to be healthy. Here are several tips and hints to help maximize your health.

Bring in your own lunch – This is not only cost effective, but also provides the ability to be health conscious. Incorporate as many whole grains and vegetables as possible into your meals. Whole grains provide slow burning carbohydrates for energy, and vegetables provide the nutrients you need to function properly.

Eat snacks – A healthy metabolism needs something to metabolize throughout the day. By eating small health snacks like granola bars, yogurts, protein shakes, or sandwiches, you will burn extra calories and maintain a good energy level.

Personally deliver messages – It is only too easy to pick up the phone and dial an extension or send an instant message. Burn some extra calories and stretch your legs by getting up and walking to deliver messages or talk to co-workers.

Exercise your eyes – Staring at a computer all day can be surprisingly cumbersome and strain your eyes. Take a few moments of your day and relax your eyes. It also helps to refocus and focus your eyes by staring off at an object in the distance and alternating between that and an object close by.

Exercise – There is no substitution for good old fashioned working out. I know this is often easier said than done, but a lot will come out of attempting to coordinate some sort of fitness plan in as a weekly routine. Nothing boosts your metabolism like a good workout. Most companies provide an hour for a lunch break, this allows for ample time to perform basic exercises. If you don’t have a gym in your office then you can still incorporate pushups, sit-ups, lunges, core strength exercise, or even a jog, if you bring workout clothes, in your personal space. Also, if this is not possible then try to swing by the gym going to or from work. You should exercise a minimum of 3 to 4 times a week, but if you can’t, every little bit helps!

These are some of the most basic ways you can maximize your workplace fitness. Incorporate as many of these tips as you can and they will help boost energy levels, lower cholesterol levels, and reduce stress. Take the time to invest in yourself. If there is one vehicle you don’t want to have break down, it’s your body.

About Conference Coach Brent
Brent Palmer is an Account Executive for Copper Conferencing. He currently is enrolled at Kennesaw State University and is studying to receive his Bachelors degree in Marketing. He is an avid runner, weightlifter, racquetball player, and enjoys many outdoor/indoor activities. Prior to joining Copper Conferencing, Brent worked for several years in the fitness and food industries.