My Unconventional Strategies for Corporate Wellness

In today's corporate world, finding effective ways to manage stress and maintain productivity is crucial. As a professional constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, I've discovered some unconventional yet highly effective methods to stay focused, energised, and balanced throughout the workday. From unexpected stress-relief techniques to innovative approaches to physical and mental well-being, these strategies have transformed my professional life. Let me share with you the surprising tools and practices that have become indispensable in my quest for peak performance and work-life harmony.

Circus

A few years back, I discovered an unexpected source of relief between the hustle and bustle of meetings: juggling. Yes, you read that correctly. Tossing a few balls in the air has become my go-to method for clearing my mind and refocusing my energy during those precious moments of downtime.

The therapeutic benefits of this simple activity are truly remarkable. For starters, juggling demands your full attention, effectively pulling your mind away from the stresses of work and upcoming commitments. As you focus on keeping the balls aloft, you enter a state of flow, where worries about deadlines and presentations momentarily fade away. It's a form of moving meditation, if you will, that allows you to reset your mental state.

Moreover, the physical act of juggling provides a welcome break from the sedentary nature of office work. It gets your blood flowing, improves hand-eye coordination, and even gives your brain a workout. Studies have shown that learning to juggle can increase grey matter in areas of the brain associated with visual and motor activity. So, not only are you giving yourself a mental breather, but you're also potentially boosting your cognitive abilities.

I've found that just a few minutes of juggling between meetings can significantly improve my mood and concentration. It's a bit of whimsy in an otherwise serious day, a reminder not to take oneself too seriously. So, next time you find yourself with a spare moment between meetings, why not give juggling a go? You might just discover a new, slightly quirky, way to maintain your sanity in the corporate world.

Resistance Tubes

While juggling has become my go-to method for mental refreshment between meetings, another marvellous tool for maintaining my physical and mental well-being: resistance tubes. These unassuming elastic bands have quickly become an indispensable part of my daily routine, offering a host of therapeutic benefits that complement my juggling practice brilliantly.

What I find particularly appealing about resistance tubes is their versatility and portability. I can easily stash a set in my cabin or pack them for trips, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice. Whether I'm at home, or in a hotel room whilst travelling, I can engage in a quick strength-training session that invigorates both body and mind.

The act of stretching and pulling against the resistance of the tubes provides a satisfying physical challenge that helps to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting. I've found that even a brief session can alleviate tension in my shoulders and back, areas that are particularly prone to stiffness after hours of hunching over a computer. Moreover, the controlled movements required when using resistance tubes promote mindfulness, encouraging a focus on proper form and breathing that can be wonderfully meditative.

Perhaps most importantly, incorporating resistance tube exercises into my daily routine has given me a tangible sense of progress and accomplishment. As I gradually increase the resistance or the number of repetitions, I can see and feel my strength improving. This sense of physical development translates into increased confidence and resilience in my professional life. It's a reminder that, with consistent effort, I can overcome challenges and continue to grow, both in and out of the office.

In essence, resistance tubes have become my secret weapon for maintaining physical health and mental equilibrium amidst the demands of a busy career. They offer a perfect complement to my juggling breaks, ensuring that I'm nurturing both my body and mind throughout the workday. So, if you're looking for a way to boost your well-being without leaving your workspace, I heartily recommend giving resistance tubes a try. You might just find, as I have, that they become an essential tool in your professional arsenal.

Body Battery

As I continue to explore ways to optimise my performance and well-being in the workplace, I've stumbled upon an obscure, but invaluable tool: Garmin's Body Battery feature. This clever bit of technology has become an integral part of my daily routine, especially when it comes to preparing for meetings and managing my energy levels throughout the day.

For those unfamiliar, the Body Battery is a metric provided by Garmin wearables that estimates one's energy reserves throughout the day. It takes into account factors such as heart rate variability, stress, and activity levels to give you a score out of 100, representing your current energy state. I've found that checking this score before meetings has been nothing short of revolutionary for my productivity and overall work satisfaction.

By glancing at my Body Battery score before a meeting, I can gauge whether I'm in the right state to tackle complex discussions or if I need to implement some quick energy-boosting strategies. If my score is high, I know I'm primed for peak performance and can confidently lead that brainstorming session or pitch to a client. Conversely, if my score is lower than ideal, I can take proactive steps to recharge, such as a quick meditation session, a brisk walk, or even a strategic snack to boost my glucose levels.

Moreover, this awareness has helped me become more intentional about scheduling my day. I now try to align my most demanding tasks and meetings with periods when my Body Battery score is typically at its highest. This approach has not only improved my productivity but also reduced the stress and fatigue that often accompany a packed work schedule.

Perhaps most importantly, regularly checking my Body Battery has fostered a greater sense of self-awareness and respect for my body's natural rhythms. It's a constant reminder that I'm not a machine, but a human with fluctuating energy levels that need to be managed wisely. This understanding has led me to prioritise rest and recovery as much as I do productivity, resulting in a more balanced and sustainable approach to my work life.

In essence, Garmin's Body Battery has become an indispensable tool in my professional toolkit, complementing my juggling breaks and resistance tube exercises perfectly. Together, these practices form a holistic approach to maintaining peak performance and well-being in the fast-paced corporate world. I'd highly recommend giving it a go - you might just find it transforms the way you approach your workday, one meeting at a time.

Snacking

My last routine of note: regular snacking. Now, before you raise an eyebrow, let me assure you that I'm not advocating for mindless grazing on crisps and biscuits. Rather, I've found that strategic, nutritious snacking throughout the day has become a cornerstone of maintaining steady energy levels and sharp cognitive function.

The benefits of this approach have been nothing short of remarkable. By incorporating small, balanced snacks between meals, I've managed to keep my blood sugar levels stable, which has had a profound impact on my mood and concentration. Gone are the mid-afternoon slumps that used to plague my productivity. Instead, I find myself maintaining a consistent level of focus and alertness from morning till evening.

My go-to snacks typically include a mix of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A handful of nuts or a biscotti (with my morning coffee), for instance, provides a perfect balance of quick energy and sustained fuel. As a vegetarian, my protein consumption is always in the back of my mind, so a cheeky Protein Bar gives me a boost. And last, but not least, I keep a stash of small-form chocolates in my cabin - treating myself to one or two throughout the afternoon.

Perhaps most importantly, this regular snacking routine has helped me develop a more mindful relationship with food. Rather than falling into the trap of skipping meals and then overeating, I'm now more attuned to my body's hunger cues. This has led to better portion control at main meals and a more balanced approach to nutrition overall.

Of course, the key to successful snacking lies in preparation. I've made it a habit to prepare my snacks for the week in advance, filling my cabin fridge with a week’s worth of snacks. This not only saves time during busy workdays but also ensures that I always have a healthy (and not-so healthy) option at hand, reducing the temptation to raid the home fridge and freezer.

In essence, regular, mindful snacking has become an integral part of my professional toolkit, working in harmony with my juggling breaks, resistance tube exercises, and Body Battery monitoring. Together, these practices form a comprehensive strategy for maintaining peak performance and well-being throughout the workday.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the corporate world can be a demanding and stressful environment, but with a bit of creativity and open-mindedness, we can find unconventional yet highly effective ways to maintain our well-being and productivity. From the whimsical practice of juggling to the practical use of resistance tubes, from the tech-savvy approach of monitoring our Body Battery to the simple act of mindful snacking, these strategies have transformed my professional life. They've not only helped me manage stress and maintain focus but have also fostered a greater sense of self-awareness and balance. I encourage you to explore these methods or find your own unique approaches. Remember, the key to thriving in the corporate world lies not just in working hard, but in working smart and taking care of yourself along the way. After all, a healthy, energised, and balanced professional is ultimately a more effective and successful one.