Healthiness in the Office

Guest Blogger: Julie Broering

When asked to be the guest blogger for “Healthiness in the Office,” a sudden fear came over me. Living a healthy lifestyle is always something I strive for, but often fail to live up to. After much contemplation about how I could appear to be a health guru, I realized that I am part of a large percentage of desk-bound, technology-focused, hide-behind-my-office partitions workers. Sure you can have ergonomic seating or height adjustable work surfaces like those installed at Performance Lexus, but healthiness goes beyond that – even while still at work.

The office is actually a danger zone for those wanting to avoid sugar and sweets. Nearly every week at OstermanCron, office furniture reps present their revolutionary modern office furniture and office chairs with a side of donuts and cookies. While some are not afraid of delving right into this sweet temptation, most others shy away as if to be bravely avoiding unhealthy foods. Who are we joking? We are all closet eaters!

I am constantly battling fluctuation in lifestyle. I was always active in sports and working out since I was a youngster, but joining the office life and sitting behind a computer for a good chunk every day has ruined me (or so I thought). Something has to change! It’s easy to get in a funk and think your life is the best it’s going to be. After all, you can’t forgo your job. More importantly, you can’t forgo your health or you won’t be able to perform your best at work. Even your attitude is triggered by the lifestyle you lead.

In my valiant attempt to change my own lifestyle, I decided to reach out to those that fight the same battle – my co-workers. We formed a small support group that I proudly refer to as Mission Slimpossible. While we are no CrossFit or Weight Watchers, we provide encouragement for each other to fight the good fight to be healthy. We all fall back into bad habits probably more than we would like, but we still push each other to walk at lunch, go to the gym with a friend, or take part in an event such as the Heart Mini. Each time we put forth even a little effort to be healthier together, we make our lives at work more enjoyable and energized.