Make Healthy Living a Reality in Fall

By , SparkPeople Blogger
As I walked my kids to school today, I noticed that the leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors already. It reminds me that cooler temperatures and shorter days are coming and that I need to plan my strategy for exercise and healthy eating during these cooler and stormier months. There are several factors that I must take into consideration: how to get exercise when my kids, my work, the weather, and the flu season keep me from the gym. Our friends at Clorox recently shared some great tips that will help us all make healthy living a reality during the upcoming fall and winter seasons. I incorporated their tips into some of my own. 

Don’t Sit. Get Up and Move.
A study conducted by the American Cancer Society tracked the health of 123,000 Americans and found that women who sit more than six hours per day have a 40 percent greater chance of dying sooner than women who sit for three hours or less. So, get up and move...now! Schedule 5 minute walking breaks into your calendar and walk to a co-workers desk, instead of picking up the phone or sending an email. Research standing desks or exercise balls as an alternative to spending the day in a chair. 

Reduce Stress. Find Things that Make Your Smile.
Creating a balanced lifestyle is a 24X7 commitment. Think about living your life like you're on vacation: drive five miles-per-hour slower, say "hi" to people you meet in the elevator, or try a new restaurant at lunch. Download the SparkPeople Mobile App, which provides healthy tip reminders and allows you to track nutrition and fitness activities during the day. Music is also a great way to bring a smile to your face and give you more energy. 

Get Tone-er (Not Just For Your Printer)
Do a quick desk workout, such as a few dips on the edge of your chair, calf raises while you're waiting at the copier, or take a few deep cleansing breaths while waiting for the coffee to brew. Keep a pair of tennis shoes in your office and do a couple of brisk 10 minute walks each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Fresh air does wonders for our mental acuity and stress level. SparkPeople’s Desk Workout and 5 Minute Power Boosters for the Office are a great place to fit exercise in during your workday.

Sanitize Your Office
Your office can be an incubator for cold and flu viruses and bacteria, since they can survive on a work surface for up to 72 hours. Disinfect office hotspots regularly with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes: desk, mouse, phone receiver and doorknobs. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. If you do get sick, talk to your employer about your office wellness policy: build consensus that it's better business to keep germs at home and encourage employees to get the rest they need to come back stronger.

Stay Hydrated. Drink More Water.
Life can feel like a marathon sometimes. Take advantage of hydration stations in your office to keep your water bottle or glass topped off. Track your water intake in the SparkPeople Nutritional Tracker or SparkPeople Mobile Apps. If you have a hard time drinking water, try using a tumbler with a straw --straws allow you to take in more water with less effort--or sip on hot or iced herbal teas.

What steps do you take to stay healthy during your workday as the seasons change?

I received information about office health tips from Clorox.