More than three-quarters of us believe that employers should offer incentives for all employees to adopt healthy behaviours. See the experts top tips…
Stretch at your desk
Maija Kivelä, yoga instructor at the new holistic wellness boutique, Maître of Thyme (www.maitreofthyme.com) recommends doing stretches at your desk. “Wrist stretches, desk downward dog, chair twists, seated pigeon pose and the glute hip opener are all great stretches to do at your desk.” Or, better yet, on your lunch break try going to a yoga class. Maija advises restorative yoga, “A mellow and slow-paced style of yoga that will have you holding positions longer. This style focuses on poses that invigorate your immune system and stretch out the aches and pains of the week.”
It’s ok to say no
Remember that your health is the most important thing in your life. “Being assertive is invigorating and empowering. It also helps to make lists of what is, or is not a priority, and to tackle the priority tasks first. This will help give you a sense of control over your life,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritionist and author of Natural Solutions for Dementia and Alzheimer’s (www.marilynglenville.com).
Take control
Whilst you’re typing away at your desk it can be hard to get in all of the essential nutrients needed to help keep you alert, de-stressed and be performing to the best of your ability. Certain nutrients can be helpful to help control your stress levels. “These include the B vitamins especially B5 for stress relief and energy, magnesium – nature’s tranquiliser for relaxation, chromium for blood sugar balance and L-theanine for reducing both mental and physical stress and anxiety,” advises Dr Marilyn Glenville. A supplement she recommends which contains all these nutrients, plus more, is called Tranquil Woman Support by NHP (£24.77, www.naturalhealthpractice.com), giving you that little help with the stresses and strains of every day.