With wedding season over, I have fallen apart. Mentally, because I don’t know what to do! (Plus, my wedding was in the middle of it. Cue the tears…) And physically, because I have been cutting corners when it comes to working out.

Before my wedding, I had the fear every bride has…not fitting into her wedding dress. I literally had to do the shimmy at my first fitting and almost cried rivers upon rivers when she said she may need to LET. IT. OUT. It was an eye opening moment…I’m not as healthy as I used to be. So I started working out and did 21 Day Fix regularly, especially when the wedding was 3 months away. I even cut FRENCH FRIES OUT OF MY DIET. Like, who am I?

Forward to present day, I’m back to the same place where I’m in a slum. Why did I let myself cut corners and say nah, I’ll work out tomorrow which means the next day and then never. Obviously my love for potatoes gets into the mix.  AND, I work in the office setting now where I mostly sit compared to the hospital where I was mostly standing. I try to get up as much as I can but the problem is food. Like junk food. When I’m bored, I’ll eat. I can’t be the only one right? PLUS, with the holiday season creeping up, it’s just going to get worse.

I love you potatoes, but I love me more.

So I decided to put a stop. The kindness police has arrived to say, “Terri, be kind to your body.” I’m doing a few things to be kinder to myself, but most importantly  I need to start respecting the body I was given. I learned that a few adjustments in the work setting can help set you on the right path. Of course it includes a healthy balance of what you eat and exercise!

[line] How to Stay Healthy at the Office [line]

1. Drink water: Hydration, hydration, hydration. There is nothing more healthy than water. Sometimes water can be boring, I agree. Just like a basic tee, you can accessorize it. Throw a lemon in there, or mint! Make it like a spa, and throw in some cucumber slices! Water is one of the lesser known fat buster. It’s a flusher. Not a pusher, like Ms. Norbury, in Mean Girls. But a flusher, that flushes out the bad. Ok, it could be a pusher too. Pushes out the bad. Whatever floats you’re boat. K? What I do is mark down how many glasses I’ve consumed. Make it a goal to drink at least 8 glasses a day. Want a new water bottle? This is a good time to do that!
2. Take the stairs: I am that person that hates elevators. Especially if I’m by myself. Extreme anxiety kicks in. So I will take the stairs. Luckily, my office is on the 4th floor, so it’s not much of a hike. The kicker is that the parking lot is far away! By taking the stairs, you jump start your heart. Hello, cardio! Plus, it makes for a good start to your morning. If you aren’t huffing and puffing, then you aren’t doing it right. If you have chest pain, then you are doing it wrong and should call 911.
3. Pack your lunch: This is a fib. Because my husband packs my lunch. Isn’t he a sweet pea? He gets up with me hours before he should, and makes my lunch! A) It saves you money. B) You can make it healthy. C) You aren’t tempted to eat all the fried goodness in the cafeteria. Plus, if you keep your lunch close to you and not in the break room, you’re not tempted to see what your co-workers got from the cafeteria. Or, if you’re like me and have med reps bring in catered lunches for the physicians, you won’t be attempted to eat all that junk.
4. Healthy snacks: I always throw in some fruits to snack on through out my day. I try not to bring nuts, because I work in a pediatric setting. So I usually choose fruit with cottage cheese, yogurt, or cheese sticks! Yum! I have a goal to eat a snack in between breakfast and lunch, then between lunch and dinner.
5. Take a walk: Honestly, for 15-20 minutes. Get up and walk around your office/building. If it is nice out, go out and take in some fresh air. It is honestly a mood booster too. It resets your mind, and gets you ready for the next half of your day.
6. Exercise at your desk: This is weird but if you don’t have time to hit the gym, might as well do some exercises while on the phone or answering e-mails. Don’t let your co-workers hate on you. They should be praising you for the effort you put into your health. Even doing some stretches will help. Glamour has a really good article on perfect exercises at the desk. They also provide picture examples! Entrepreneur also has an article about yoga at the office. They even give you some facts and statistics about a healthy lifestyle. When I first read them, I was blown away! Seriously, I didn’t realize how much my body is actually wasting away by sitting at the desk for 10 hours! Also, they give you tips on what to tell your co-workers while you’re stretching, so you don’t look too awkward!
7. Affirmations: This is one of the first things I did when I moved into my desk. I plastered the wall infront of me with positive quotes and sayings. Reminding me to keep the fire burning and to always be positive. It’s hard being a nurse sometimes (or an adult in general), but it is so important to fill your space with positivity. Even starting when you wake up, say to yourself : I will have a great day. I will be the best version of me. Today is a great day to have a great day. Reinforcing optimism does a lot for you mentally.

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What do you think? Do you work in an office setting? What do you do to keep fit while working full-time? Or being a full-time boss babe and mommy? I’d love to hear your thoughts!