The 5 Things I Always Keep at My Desk to Stay Healthy
Whether your workspace is in an office building or in the corner of your bedroom, there are a few things you can keep nearby that will help you hit those health goals! These are my essentials. They’re the things that help me stay fit, stay motivated, and stay healthy! I’ll share mine and then I want to hear yours!
1. A Pair of Comfy Shoes
I always have a pair of flats (and usually a pair of tennis shoes) at my desk. I know, that might sound a little bit weird but we have treadmill desks at work and I try to make sure I can always take advantage of them. Truthfully, I hardly ever wear heels so I can usually just walk in whatever I’m wearing for the day but if my shoes start to pinch or hurt, I just slip into my tennis shoes. Even if your office doesn’t have a treadmill desk, keeping a pair of comfy shoes nearby makes it easy to take a lunch time stroll. If you just can’t bear to wear tennis shoes with your outfit, find a pair of comfy flats to stash in your drawer!
2. My favorite fruity tea
In the morning, I’m all about coffee. But in the afternoon, I try to cut back on caffeine, otherwise, I don’t sleep very well. Rather than tempt myself with soda or coffee, I sip on some caffeine free tea. I love Yogi teas and Lipton makes some fun new fruit flavors that are really good. I usually go for a blueberry or a passion tea if I’m looking for something sweet. If I’m looking for something more soothing, I’ll grab a lemon tea and add in a fresh lemon wedge.
3. Orbit Gum
My coworkers could tell you I always have a pack of Orbit on my desk. Sweet mint & peppermint are my favorites but recently I’ve been enjoying spearmint. They also have fruity flavors like Bubblemint and Strawberry. I always pop in a piece after lunch (especially after I’ve had my usual garlicky salad dressing!) so I don’t have to worry about scaring anyone off during a meeting. A nice minty piece of gum is the perfect way to signal to my brain “hey, lunch was good and now we’re done!” It’s also the perfect thing to chew on when I find myself craving something out of boredom or stress. If we’re being honest, I actually keep gum in my desk drawer, my purse, and my car. I hate being without it!
4. Raw Nuts
I know, I know, having a snack in your drawer is probably nothing new. But the trick is, I don’t keep a snack that I totally love/crave because otherwise, I end up eating it just because I’m bored. To me, raw almonds are perfect because they’re healthy, they’re tasty, but they’re not super sweet or super salty so I’m not tempted to eat handful after handful. But they give me a nice boost of protein and fiber and they can stop me from going to the vending machine. Before you get the idea that I’m some kind of health-angel, I do splurge. On Tuesday afternoons, we have a candy cart that comes around the floor and I’m never one to pass up gummy bears!
5. Water Bottle
I know, I know, cliche. If I know I’ll be on the go. I grab a bottle that I can throw in my purse. If I’m just going to be sitting at my desk, I try to have a cup with a straw. I don’t know why but I drink so much more water if I can just sip it out of a straw rather than having to unscrew a lid. I also love adding a little lemon in my water for flavor. (These are my other tricks for drinking more water.) If I don’t keep water near my, I could often go the whole day without drinking anything but coffee. Oops. Keeping it close by makes it easy!
What are your healthy essentials?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Stashing comfy shoes is a great idea! Makes getting up and active so much easier and motivating!
It really does! I also keep an extra pair of comfy shoes in my car!
Having my water bottle with me all day every day has made a huge difference in how much water I drink!
Treadmill desks – ah! I’ve likely said it before but I’m seriously jealous of your office having these. Especially because I get itchy when I have lots of desk work and have to sit for too long. Well, frequent trips to the office kitchen to get more – Yogi obviously 🙂 – tea are my quick fix. I always bring along an apple and my jar of peanut butter because healthy snacks are unknown here ;).
I love apples with peanut butter! I definitely been known to keep a jar of peanut butter in my desk, too!
A water bottle for sure! If I don’t have one near my I never reach my water goals for the day.
Comfy shoes is so important! I love to take walking breaks throughout the day. I also keep a phone charger and book for when I have extra time. And healthier snacks is important because whatever is there I will eat!
Oh yes! Phone charger is a necessity! My phone can never make it through the whole day because I use it so much!
Water and lip gloss (don’t judge) lol
HAH! I always have at least one lip gloss in my desk, too! (And usually 3 in my purse!)
I love these tips; I love fruity tea too; it has such a satisfying sweet taste. Some of my favorite healthy essentials are a quiet room, a burning candle, fresh air coming through the room, and something playing in the background… (I love listening to podcasts, Scripture or sermons…) What do you like listening to Liz?
I love listening to podcasts (including the sermons from our church if I ever miss, them so I’m with you on the scripture!) and yes to a quiet place with candles. I love that when I come home!
I always have nuts for my new commute home so that I’ll be ready to workout after. And the new fave tea I’m digging right now is Trader Joe’s Ginger-Turmeric!
That tea sounds amazing! I’ll definitely be picking some up the next time I’m at TJ’s!
Comfy shoes are so important! Heels are no fun to walk around in on my lunch break 🙂 Great tips!
I always have gum too! But I’m super loyal to Five gum– it lasts the longest!