With the everyday hustle and bustle of a busy work schedule, it can be difficult to focus on healthy habits within the workplace.

Added to a hectic schedule, sedentary behavior and temptations in the break room make it even harder to live a healthy lifestyle. These actions can help:

Get Up and Move

Take a “stand break” every hour. Getting your body up and moving will not only positively impact your physical health, but your mental health as well. Find a lunchtime walking partner. Set an alarm every hour as a reminder to stand or walk the hall. Park farther away from the door. Every extra step is a step in the right direction to get more activity!

Stay Hydrated

Water is very important to a healthy body and can also help with weight loss and maintenance. Make it your goal to drink at last 64 ounces daily. Keep a bottle of water close at all times in order to remind yourself to drink. Set a timer or use a hydration app. You can also eat foods that are high in water content – fruits and veggies!

Pack Your Lunch

Although bringing your lunch to work does require a bit more mental effort than eating fast food or take out, it can reward both your health and your pocketbook. Bringing your lunch from home not only saves money but also calories! Hit all the food groups by including produce, protein, whole grains and dairy. Packing leftovers from the previous night is an easy way to pack your lunch without preparing two meals. One of the biggest obstacles is the motivation to continue. Try writing down what you would have had for lunch if you had not brought it along with the associated price. At the end of the week, look at all the money you saved!

Keep Snacks Out of Sight

Out of sight, out of mind – keeping healthier snacks closer at hand than sweets, chips or office treats can help you stay on track. A few good ways to avoid succumbing to temptation are to keep unhealthy snacks out of your line of sight and bring healthy snacks of your own as a backup. It is okay to enjoy a kind gesture from a coworker while practicing moderation and healthy habits.

Create Healthy Behaviors in the Workplace

Creating a work environment that encourages healthy habits can be a very good way to boost employee morale regarding personal health goals. Make it fun by setting goals for the office or hosting a friendly competition. For example, whoever brings their lunch the most days this month wins a free lunch at a local restaurant. Try a water or activity challenge in the office. Engaging in fun, team-building activities can help reinforce healthy behaviors while also increasing employee morale.