November 30, 2020

How to maintain healthy practices to improve productivity this holiday season

Andrew Aston – Account Coordinator

In any normal year, the holidays bring extra challenges and obstacles to maintaining your health. Not only are sweets and festive foods available in abundance, but cold weather also makes it tempting to stay sequestered on the couch under a warm blanket. As a result, many people suffer from an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise during the holiday season.

In 2020, the holidays come with extra layers of stress as we all deal with the complications of COVID-19, leading to further bad habits. These combined factors can wreak havoc on your physical and mental health, which can have a detrimental impact on your productivity at the office or your work-from-home desk. Here are a few ways you can take control of your health and your productivity this holiday season.

Set daily exercise goals

If you struggle to get enough daily exercise, adding goals to promote discipline in your routine can help. A good idea to start with is to take a walk over lunch or even lace up the running shoes for a midday jog if you work from home. If you are looking to up the intensity, wake up 30 minutes earlier to follow along with a workout video on YouTube from the comfort of your living room or establish a daily gym schedule. Hold yourself accountable to your predetermined benchmarks. If you require external motivation, consider signing up for a local 5k or another race such as a triathlon. Be sure to allow yourself a reward when you achieve your goals. Exercise enhances both your physical and mental health, so don’t cheat yourself!

Enjoy holiday treats…in moderation

The food you eat becomes fuel for your body, including your brain. Ensure you are consuming your recommended daily intake of nutrients from healthy foods between the cookies and other treats to keep yourself thinking clearly during the workday. You can still indulge in holiday meals, but go in with a game plan to limit yourself to one helping to avoid overeating.

Read a book

Sharpen your mind by picking up a book. There are many psychological benefits to reading, including improved memory, empathy and cognitive functioning. Challenge your mind by exploring new genres while reading for pleasure, or invest in your self-improvement by reading professional development literature.

Your physical and mental health is one of the greatest assets you possess that enhance your productivity. Invest in your career by taking care of yourself!

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