In this day and age, spending all day at a desk hunched over a computer screen is hardly uncommon. This sedentary lifestyle can encourage you to load up unhealthy habits like spending your free time on the couch or reaching for that bag of chips. However, a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to us all – both in our personal and professional lives. Here are a few of our favorite ways to prioritize fitness as professionals in a sedentary setting.

1. Drink Water

I know, you’ve probably heard this one before, but that’s because it really is so important! Keep a full water bottle near you at all times, and refrain from grabbing that soda on your next run to the fridge in your home or office break room. Your body will thank you.

2. Schedule exercise.

It’s like they say, the separation is in the preparation. If you carve out time beforehand to do something (rather than winging it), you’re far more likely to get it done. Whether it’s before work or after, choose a time to get a workout in – and then follow through.

3. Keep healthy snacks on hand.

When you’re busy with work and only have a minute between meetings, of course it’s more appealing to grab a sugary granola bar than it is to cut up some fruit. This is why we recommend preparing your snacks beforehand –carrot sticks, Greek yogurt, and bananas are all great options.

Health and fitness can undoubtedly be inconvenient or unappealing when you have a crazy schedule, especially when you’re working in a sedentary environment. Your body does need care, though, and these few small changes can make a big difference.

For more tips on what we’ve learned about mental health (especially in the pandemic), check out this blog article from Anne Menik: 5 Lessons Learned from Living with COVID-19.