Forget the Resolution - Start a REVOLUTION

Jan 02, 2015

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution?  If yes, scrap it. If no, don’t bother.

Yes, you read that right. Don’t make a resolution. Instead, start a revolution.

Resolutions are like goals you want to reach –losing weight or training for a marathon. However, life has a way of getting in the middle of our resolutions.

We get impatient if we don’t see the numbers on the scale moving as fast as we’d like, and our desire to go out for a run might be hampered by weather, getting the kids to activities or simply not feeling motivated. If we focus only on the 20 pounds we want to lose or the looming date of a marathon, we put unnecessary stress on ourselves and we’re more likely to give up.

A revolution, though, is a movement...a process…and that can lead to lasting change. For example, if you want to lose weight, focus on moving more and eating well rather than the scale.

With most of us spending an average of 47 hours at work each week (according to a Gallup Work Survey), our worksites play an ever-increasing role in our overall well-being. Here’s why: A healthy workforce is essential to America's continued growth and prosperity. Much of the illness in the U.S. is directly preventable. The workplace is an ideal setting to address health and well-being.

A culture of well-being at the worksite can contribute to better health – physical mental and emotional – for you and your co-workers. Healthy people are more productive, require fewer sick days and may experience lower health associated costs. Both employers and employees can promote a healthier work environment, so here’s how to start the health revolution at work:

Eat Well
Plan Ahead. Worksites are filled with temptations like vending machines and co-workers’ birthday treats. Pack your own healthy lunch and snacks. Start a worksite wellness committee to work on vending and meeting policies to encourage healthier food choices. Don’t Skip Lunch. Even though the work day can get busy, take time for a healthy meal. If you don’t, you might find yourself feeling sluggish and losing focus. Plus, you’ll be more likely to overeat at dinnertime. Drink Water. Keep a reusable mug at your desk and sip on water all day. It keeps your body and mind working, and it can help curb your appetite (so you can say no thanks to the donuts!).

Move Well
Get Up from the Chair. Simply put, sitting too much is bad for you. Your body and mind will fall asleep, much like when you skip a meal. At least once every hour, get up for a walk or a stretch. Get Active with Coworkers. Go talk to your coworkers instead of emailing them. Have a walking meeting. Form a walking group. Employers can explore options for on-site fitness activities.

Feel Well
Find Balance. While everyone feels there aren’t enough hours in the day, a healthy work-life balance is essential to keep you energized and productive. Do your best to set boundaries between home and office. Get Your Checkups. Most illnesses, and chronic diseases, are preventable. Be sure to stay on track with annual visits to the doctor and dentist. Get your blood pressure checked regularly.  Many employers offer on-site health screenings, so take advantage of those opportunities. Safety First.  Safe work practices and ergonomic workstations can help you feeling your best.

To feel your best in 2015, don’t worry about the resolutions. Goals are good for planning your progress, but creating a revolution – your system for being healthy – will help you actually make progress.

Find more resources for healthy worksites in our Live Well Work Well section of this site.

Happy New Year – Live Well!