Debunking Workplace Wellness Myths

Halloween is creeping up! And while we celebrate scary sentiments that come with the season, we prefer to leave the spook outside of the workplace. At Givhero, we work to address some of those misconceptions that make the office appear scary. We believe that your job can be a space where your health and wellness journey can continue (and even thrive!). Below are some myths that we’ve debunked about workplace wellness, and some actions you can take instead!

1. I can’t exercise at work.

Yes, we understand that you can’t get on an elliptical during your morning meeting or weekly check-in, but there are plenty of steps (pun intended!) you can take to make sure you’re getting your move on within work hours. Used to taking the elevator? Try the stairs instead. Have an hour for lunch? Why not dedicate half of it to a walk around the block. Sitting in a chair all day? Check out chair yoga. Moving at work doesn’t need to take up a significant chunk of your day. Instead, use little pockets of time here and there to get up and take a break. Studies show that doing this throughout the day not only improves your mental state but is also beneficial for your physical health in the long-term. Make it a community effort by getting your colleagues to join your in your efforts for a good cause using Givhero!

2. It’s hard to make healthy food choices when I’m busy.

With emails flooding your inbox and deadlines looming, it’s sometimes easier to snag the quickest and nearest option for lunch (or a handful of candy corn!). However, it can be just as convenient to eat healthy during the workday. There are multiple resources out there to help you plan your meals for the week, so when lunchtime comes around, you know exactly where your food is coming from. A healthy lunch is proven to decrease that afternoon crash and help spur productivity. PS, your wallet will thank you!

3. Work is always stressful for me.

Work stress is real, and when it hits it can seem like the be-all-end-all. And while the daily grind may not change, the way you react to it can. Here are some tools to help you respond more effectively to stress and leave you feeling more grounded and focused. Some of our favorites are getting your priorities straight and scheduling some time to move throughout the day!

4. I work 24/7 (or at least, it feels that way!).

It might sound counterintuitive, but workplace wellness actually starts at home. If you can’t take the time to recharge and decompress outside of the office, then your time in the office is going to be a lot harder. In fact, studies have shown that bringing work home (both literally and figuratively) can result in an array of issues, ranging from inability to focus, to anxiety and depression. Self-care at home means the obvious -- exercise, sleep, hydration, etc. But it also means setting boundaries for yourself such as no screen time or emails after a certain hour.

5. There is nothing out there to help me stay on track.

Tackling workplace wellness alone is possible, but it’s so much better with a community and a platform that holds you accountable. With Givhero, you get both. And you do it for a meaningful cause! Check out Givhero for more information.

Written By
Hanna Berman.
Hanna Berman is a Mental Health & Wellness Contributor for Givhero. As a Mental Health & Organizational Consultant, her career is dedicated to exploring behavior change on both an individual and collective level. She holds a Masters from King’s College London in Global Ethics & Human Values and is a part-time Reiki practitioner with City Acupuncture Clinic in Washington DC.