19 Easy Ways to Be Healthy in Your Office - The Muse

19 Easy Ways to Be Healthy in Your Office - The Muse19 Easy Ways to Be Healthy in Your OfficeIf youre like me and spend most of your day in an office, you probably think its impossible to practice healthy habits on the reg. (Unless your company has an in-office gym or catered meals every day- if thats you, youre a lucky duck.)Well, Ill prove you wrong. I came up with elend one, not 10, but 19 easy ways to have a stronger mind, body, and spirit in just your average workspace. By easy, I mean these are so quick and simple you wouldnt believe you can actually improve yourself by doing them. And yet, I have proof you canRead on to learn my healthy little secrets1. Keep Healthy Snacks NearbyAs Muse writer Nina Tamburello says, When the vending machine or leftovers from the 3 PM meeting tempt you with their ease and convenience, its hard to just say no to chips and cookies during that mid-afternoon slump.So, instead, leave a bag of almonds or kale chips next to your laptop. Its much easier than getting up to snag something from the office kitchen.2. Bring Your Own LunchWhen you make it, and the local sandwich shop doesnt, you get to control what kinds of foods you choose to eat. Yes, this takes work, but its so worth it for your health and your bank account.3. Hang Out With the Health NutsScience says you eat what your friends eat, so try surrounding yourself with people wholl unintentionally help you sto your bad habits.4. Stand Up and Stretch OftenEven if its just to tackle some emails or short to-dos, spend 30 minutes a day standing at your desk- we bet itll boost your energy. Oh, and if your office doesnt have any place where you can work standing up, then just literally make sure youre physically standing up and stretching at least once an hour. Theres also nothing worse than leaving work at the end of the day with a kink in your neck or sore muscles, so avoid the pain with these 17 exercises that you can do right at your desk5. Practice Smart Computer HabitsSta ring at a computer all day is exhausting, and hard on the eyes, neck, back, and head.So, remember to take short breaks between tasks, turn the brightness down on your computer, sit up straight, use eye drops, and shift positions occasionally.6. Schedule Walking MeetingsTake your meetings on a stroll, where you can enjoy some sunshine, stretch your muscles, and maybe get those creative juices flowing.7. Take the StairsIts a quick way to get your heart rate up when theres no time for a workout. (If you work on the 20th floor or higher like I do, maybe try taking the stairs halfway and catching an elevator when youve exhausted yourself.)Tiring idea? Yes, but science says itll make you smarter8. Work Out in the Middle of the DayIf you can, try taking an hour off work to head to a nearby yoga senderaum or go for a run. Muse Senior Editor Stacey Gawronski found that after doing so, her day flew by and she still got a lot done, despite losing an hour I felt so productive from my exercise b oost that I barely noticed what time it was.9. Try a Quick NapIt can be hard to just conk out on your desk without concerning your boss, but if youre able to- and desperately need it- let him or her know you could use a bit of shut-eye to refocus and excuse yourself to a couch or private room for a quick nap. Youll be more productive for the rest of the day. (Just dont do it every day.)10. Work OutsideBelieve it or not, your natural habitat is not a room filled with fluorescent lights and computer screens, says Muse Career Coach Lea McLeod.Grab your laptop, or an old-fashioned notebook, and get some work done (even if its just for a bit) at a park nearby, on a bench outside your office, or in an outdoor restaurant. Itll reduce your stress, and give you a healthy dose of vitamin D. (And, if youre not sure how this will work, try using these 16 items to help you shift your desk to a new space.)11. Carve Out Personal TimeYou cant work all the time, its just not good for you. As Muse Wr iter Lily Herman realized, My constant desire to work came to a head when I start showing signs of brownout- its the notion that while I was performing fine from the outside, I was slowly becoming exhausted, unmotivated, and uninspired.So, literally set aside a slot on your calendar for you time- whether that means getting yourself a coffee, scrolling through social media, or chatting with a co-worker.12. Drink Lots of WaterIt goes without saying, really. Water equals a happy body (and less mid-day headaches).My secret for success? A fun water bottle. Try out one with a straw, or a button, or a flippy lid.13. Buy a Stress-Relief ToyTake your frustrations out on something else besides your co-workers or boss- itll salvage your relationships and ease your stress. For some great ideas, check out these 18 options thatll fit right on your desk.14. Start an Office Workout TraditionHere at The Muse, were big fans of the 3 PM judgment-free push-ups- its when members of our team stop what th eyre doing to do a round of push-ups together. Besides getting in a quick workout, its a great way to obligation as co-workers. Did I inspire you? Get a group together and start your own healthy tradition It can be as simple as swapping tea for coffee in the afternoons or taking a 10-minute mid-day walk.15. Stare Out the WindowScience says that just looking at a tree can reduce stress and make you feel better overall. This is probably the easiest health tip Ive given you all day. (Unless you live in a city, then maybe try purchasing a plant?)16. Replace That Second (or Third, or Fourth) Cup of CoffeeRather than shoving more caffeine into your body, try replacing an afternoon coffee with de-caffeinated tea or sugar-free gum.17. Turn the Music DownLoud music is harsh on the eardrums, so if youre constantly blasting it through your headphones, turn the volume down a notch. And this way, youll be able to hear if your boss is calling for you.18. Give Your Hands a BreakTheyre doing the le gwork all day (unlike your legs), so give them a rest by stretching them out or taking a second to relax them in your lap. You dont want to get carpel tunnel, do you?19. BreatheCheesy, I know, but if you just take one minute (or more) of your time a day to stop, look away from your work, and just breathe, youll feel a heck of a lot better. If youre feeling really ambitious, you might even practice mindfulness or meditation.My final tip for you Everything in moderation. Healthy habits are about balancing work and pleasure, cookies and vegetables, sitting and standing. You dont have to stop having fun or enjoying a beer with co-workers, but be mindful of how much and how often you choose one thing over another possibly better option.Did I miss anything? Got any secrets to smart office living? Tweet me