The BusyB - Week of 2.11.24 🐝

Welcome to your weekly serving of inspiration, focusing on movement, nourishment, and intention. Happy Super Bowl Day!!! 🏈 Let's dive in!

Becks’ Brief 💌

It's that time of the week again where we pause, reflect, and prepare for the week ahead. I'm excited to have you here with me in our shared journey of wellness, empowerment, and balance!

In every conversation about work and life, there's one piece of advice we've all heard: you should strive to have work-life balance. Sure, that is sound advice, but what does it really mean? Is it as straightforward as closing our laptops at 5pm and promising ourselves not to touch the keyboard over the weekend? We know it’s not that simple. Our work demands fluctuate, and we're always juggling our schedules to stay at the top of our professional game.

So, how much attention are we actually giving to the 'life' aspect in our work-life balance? How often do we find ourselves relegating our health to the bottom of our to-do list, overshadowed by work, family responsibilities, and endless errands? This probably happens more often than we care to admit. But it's time for a change. Let's not just throw around 'work-life balance' as a catchy phrase; let's make it a real, everyday practice. Let's make a commitment to prioritize our well-being and to redefine what balance looks like, focusing on nourishing our bodies as diligently as we do our careers.

The Bulletin 📝

Finding a nice balance between work and life, with a focus on movement and nourishment, is key to achieving peak performance in both your personal and professional life. Here are some ways I like to strike the balance in my life:

Schedule Breaks for Movement:

• Set reminders to take short breaks every few hours during your workday, if possible - this not only helps in keeping you active throughout the day but also in reducing eye strain and mental fatigue

• Check out this Desk Workout PPT I shared with my colleagues

Walking Meetings:

• If a meeting doesn't require a computer or your camera, turn it into a walking meeting

• You can do this without leaving your desk by adding a Walking Pad underneath your workspace

Mindful Eating Breaks:

• Actually take your lunch break - eating mindfully aids in digestion and provides you with a much needed mental break

• Need convincing? Here are 8 reasons why you should take your lunch break

Commit to a Routine

• If it’s in your calendar, it’s most likely going to get done - schedule your movement for before or after work and prioritize making it happen

• If you’re more of a to-do list person, download an app or use reminders on your phone to get it done

Set Up Your Workspace:

• You can prioritize your health WHILE you work by ensuring your workspace is ergonomically set up to reduce strain and improve your posture

• Standing desks, like the one I have, allow you to prioritize your health while you are working - it’s the best of both worlds 😉

Take a Breath:

• Practice short mindfulness or breathing exercises during your day to reduce stress and refocus your mind

• My company has incorporated Thrive Global into our workday - it has been a game changer, especially after stressful meetings

Set Boundaries:

• Probably the hardest one on this list, but arguably the most important - try to stick to a regular work schedule and disconnect from work-related activities before and after hours

• Need help? Same 😅 - here you go

Remember, the key to incorporating these practices is consistency. Start with one or two and gradually build them into your daily routine. Balancing work demands with your health and well-being is crucial for long-term success in both a professional and personal setting.

Nourish & Move 🤸🏻‍♀️

My go-to lunch lately has been a quick sandwich, but with a twist! I have been using Trader Joe’s egg wraps (two at a time for better success with the wrapping) with their goat cheese, organic turkey breast and ham (nitrate and antibiotic free, of course), and hot sauce. This meal takes one minute to create and is super tasty and high in protein.

Not something I have actually tried yet, but the rebounder has been on my list for quite some time. There are many known benefits of rebounding and it’s a fun way to get some movement in throughout your day. Throw on your favorite playlist (challenge yourself to one hour of rebounding with a Big Bootie Mix) and jump!

The BusyB Booster ✨

7-Day Work-Life Balance Challenge:

The Real Deal ✔️

Myth: Eating at your desk boosts productivity by saving time.

Busted: Working while chowing down your lunch might seem like a time-saver, but it can actually hinder productivity. It leads to mindless eating and poor digestion, since you're focusing on everything but your meal. Also, skipping a proper lunch break can increase mental fatigue since you’re not actually taking any mental focus away from your work. Taking a break away from your desk refreshes your mind, aiding in more productivity and efficiency for the rest of the day.

Uplift 💡

Spread the Love 🫶🏻

Loved what you read today? Your friends and colleagues might too! Share this newsletter with anyone who could use a little boost of motivation in their busy lives. 👉🏻 Share this link: https://thebusyb.beehiiv.com/subscribe 

_{Disclaimer: The content in this newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is based on my expertise as a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. I am not a medical professional. Before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or lifestyle, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure these changes are safe and suitable for your specific health needs and conditions.}