It’s no secret that the last few years have taken a toll on the well-being of workers nationwide. An unbalanced and negative work routine can lead to burnout, turnover, and dissatisfaction. But, with 2025 approaching quickly, there is no better time than now to add healthy workplace habits to your New Year’s resolutions.
Why Prioritize Workplace Wellness?
We prioritize our well-being in many aspects of our lives. For example, going to bed an hour earlier when you know you have to get up early in the morning. We make choices and decisions based on our well-being and the well-being of those around us every day. Poor well-being affects individuals at work, resulting in lower productivity, more time off from work, and making more errors than normal in the workplace. It can also show itself in the form of having employees quit their jobs or needing to leave work because of poor mental health. When we prioritize our well-being, we are more creative and productive, and we make better decisions.
What You Can Do to Prioritize Your Well-Being
1) Utilize an adjustable-height desk
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- Give yourself the option to switch around throughout the day and allow your body to promote movement.
2) Follow the 90-minute cycle rule
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- Your brain can only focus for 90 to 120 minutes before it needs a break, Leo Widrich from Buffer reports. Why? It’s the ultradian rhythm, a cycle that’s present in both our sleeping and waking lives.
3) Separate yourself from work after hours
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- “Mentally distancing oneself from work during nonwork time can help restore resources lost because of work demands.”
4) Practice healthy physical habits
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- Exercise regularly.
- Get a quality night’s sleep–check out our previous blog here on how to do this.
- Drink enough water and fuel your body with nutritious meals.
5) Take part in wellness programs provided by your employer
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- Why? 70% of employees enrolled in wellness programs have reported higher job satisfaction than those not enrolled in the companies’ program.
The Bottom Line
Healthier habits manifest themselves in your everyday life. By creating healthy habits for yourself in and outside of the workplace, you are bettering yourself as well as giving your company a competitive advantage. Be a wellness champion in your office by showing coworkers how prioritizing yourself helps improve mood, well-being, and work performance.