Daily workouts can be quite difficult to fit into the busy schedule, and often, this causes us to throw our hands up and give up altogether.  We often have an all-or-nothing mindset when it comes to exercise, but this way of thinking is harming our health — so, let’s put it to rest today and talk about how we can do that.
 
A workout doesn’t have to mean an hour and a half of sweating at the gym.  We can find ways to sprinkle wellness into our everyday lives, and we can even fit wellness into our workday. 
 
Here are a few ways to focus on wellness during your workday…
 
Think about your transport methods
Your workday essentially begins as soon as you leave your home in the mornings.  If possible walk or cycle to work instead of using public transportation or driving.  Not only is this great exercise, but it will also allow you to start your day off in a much calmer way, rather than if stuck in traffic.  If your workplace is too far to choose this plan, decide to park as far away from the building as possible.  Doing so will give you the opportunity to walk a more thereby getting some extra steps in.  Also, ditch the elevator and take the stairs.  You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes over time!
 
Make your office space greener
An excellent way to lighten your mood at work is to make your workspace more comfortable and inviting.  Find some plants that don’t need a lot of sunlight and add as many as you’d like to your office area.  Live plants will also assist in cleansing the air in your office, which is an added benefit to the beautiful scenery.  Aside from the greenery, keeping your office space clutter-free will help you feel more productive and less stressed.  Creating a routine that you can maintain to keep your space organized will help keep your office space running smoothly.  Don’t forget the photos of your loved ones to lift your spirits, along with positive affirmations to visit daily!
 
Work on your posture
Good posture is a conscious effort we must make, especially when we slouch in office chairs for most of the day.  I know, I know — it’s more comfortable usually — but the long-term effects are not.  If you need a better chair, it is well worth the investment.  Look up ergonomic chairs and visit your local office supply store to try some out in person.  Good posture will assist you in concentrating better, and lessen those backaches you take home with you daily. 
 
Make use of your lunch break
It’s time to stop working through your lunch break while you munch on a snack from the vending machine.  One of the best ways to add wellness into your workday is to bring a healthy lunch.  It doesn’t take much effort to make meals for the week on a Sunday afternoon — so head on over to Pinterest and look up some new, delicious looking healthy lunches you can start taking with you.  If there’s time, squeeze in a 10-minute walk after you eat for better digestion and a clearer mind. 
 
Always have healthy snacks nearby
I get it — sometimes when you’re racing against the clock to meet a deadline, you crave a sugar boost to keep you going.  Keeping healthy snacks in your office will help curb your snack cravings while not having to resort to the vending machine.  Dried fruit, nuts, dark chocolate or healthy granola bars are great options that will keep in your desk without going bad. It's also a good idea to stash some healthy snacks in your car for those days that you do drive and get stuck in traffic.
 
Don’t forget to drink your water
Ah, water.  It’s often so undervalued, but it is truly essential.  Staying hydrated will help your focus and give you natural energy.  Dehydration is one of the leading causes of tiredness, headaches, and cravings.  So, be sure to keep the water flowing throughout the day.  You won’t regret it. 
 
These are simple ways to begin implementing wellness into your workday every day.  You’ll find that the positive changes will reveal themselves quickly, and you’ll crave the good feelings, wanting more.  It’s not about perfection -- true wellness is about finding ways to fit it into your schedule, and about making the best choice available with what you’re given. 
 
What are a few ways you plan to add some wellness into your workday?  Hit reply and let me know what’s on your mind.  

​Being tired is something we all deal with – a simple part of life that we cannot escape.  But how do you know when your tiredness is normal or something you should pay more attention to? Adrenal fatigue affects a significant number of people in various ways, and you could be dealing with it right now without even knowing. 
 
Unsure of what the adrenal glands do, or where they even are?  Don’t worry – you aren’t alone.  The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and they are responsible for producing important hormones.  When the adrenal glands are unable to work as efficiently as they should, problems arise.  This is common with people who are struggling with stress of all kinds – mental, emotional, physical.  When the adrenal glands aren’t functioning properly, the glands aren’t producing important hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.  When this happens, the body feels the effects in various ways. 

Here are a few ways to notice if you may be struggling with adrenal fatigue…

• Difficulty getting out of bed.  Insufficient sleep is one of the leading causes of adrenal fatigue. Without quality and adequate sleep, the adrenal glands will collapse. A patient suffering from adrenal fatigue often wakes up in the morning feeling extremely tired regardless of the amount of sleep they had.

 

• High level of fatigue.  High levels of tiredness or fatigue each day isn’t something to take lightly. Although aging can cause a significant drop in energy levels, there is still a distinct line between normal tiredness and something more.  If you can’t get any relief from your exhaustion, no matter how much sleep you get or how well you eat, be sure to see your medical professional.

 

• Inability to handle stress.  It’s true that many people seem incapable of handling stress well. Some people seem to suddenly be incapable of handling stress when they were once very good at it. When you begin to feel a sudden change in your ability to manage stress, seek the attention of your medical professional and let them know about your change in stress.

 

• Uncontrolled craving for salty foods.  Keep a close eye on your cravings. If you crave salty foods regularly or have a new craving for salty foods that you can’t kick, your body may be telling you you’re your adrenals are suffering.  When your adrenal glands are depleted, your sodium levels drop, causing the craving for a substitute – salty foods.

 

• Excessively energy in the evenings.  A person with adrenal fatigue may have too much energy in the evenings.  Cortisol levels are high early in the morning, drop during the day, before peaking again in the evening. Often, this can lead to having trouble sleeping at night.

 
Other symptoms you should watch out for include:

• joint pains
• low libido
• dizziness
• dark circles forming under the eyes

 
If any of this sounds like something you’re dealing with, please be sure to see your medical professional and let them know about what you’ve been going through.  The health of our adrenal glands are crucial in our overall wellbeing, so treating them well is of utmost importance.