How To Enjoy Your Workplace

Dec 11, 2011 by Vonda

From eating right to connecting with co-workers, read on to discover three workplace habits that’ll boost your productivity and lower your stress levels.

Make it a point to take breaks

People seem to think that constantly working is synonymous with being productive, but unless your brain is working at its maximum level, you may not be getting that much work done after all. Taking breaks is like hitting the reset button. Breaks help you empty out some of your brain supply and make room for more. Try taking lunches away from your desk and taking a 10 to 15 minute break in the morning and afternoon. You can take a short walk, read a magazine or eat a healthy snack – anything that lets you relax and recharge.

Start your day off on the right foot

If you’re in a bad mood when you arrive at work — whether because of family problems or a stressful commute — it can decrease your productivity by as much as 10% that day. So start your day with 5 to 10 minutes of time dedicated to decompressing. Create a ritual — maybe it’s meeting in the coffee break room or going around the office to greet everyone. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you connect with your co-workers.

Make mindful food choices

You are what you eat, and eating a heavy mid-day meal will often make you feel lethargic for the rest of the afternoon. The key is keeping your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day with three light meals and two snacks. Heavy meals can make you feel sluggish because they require more energy to digest. A great lunch will include a fiber-rich carbohydrate, like water-rich veggies, and a lean protein, like chicken or fish. You want to avoid highly processed meals, like some of the frozen meals in the grocery store. The less processed the better when it comes to keeping your energy levels up.

Tell me – What other workplace habits make you feel great?