It’s 2023! With the start of a new year, we’ve got to say it – new year, new me – and 2023 is no different. It goes without saying that the past few years have been challenging for us all – from the COVID-19 pandemic to the cost of living crisis, our living circumstances haven’t been that great.
Nonetheless, 2023 is the beginning of our journey to leading a healthier 2023 and happier life – for both employees and employers. So, regardless of which one you are, here’s 6 tips on becoming healthier (mentally and physically!) in 2023.
1. Foster a healthy relationship with food
It’s time to start thinking about eating healthier (and still delicious) meals in 2023! The occasional sugary treat is absolutely fine, but a relationship with healthy meals is meaningful and good for our bodies and soul. Bring a packed lunch to work that’s rich in vegetables, swapping out sugary snacks with fruit instead. For employers, you may also want to consider implementing a daily fresh fruit basket or healthier options at the food canteen for employees.
2. Take time to relax
The last three years have been a wild roller coaster ride, so it’s not surprising if you’d simply like to take some time to lie back and relax. Self-care is extremely important, and we don’t blame you if you’re being selfish with some TLC – we encourage it! Know when to take a break, especially at work, and employers – encourage your employees to take breaks too! Offering wellbeing programmes or access to meditation apps is also great.
3. Improve relationships with employees
Whether your workplace is mainly remote, hybrid, or full-time office, improving relationships with colleagues/your employees should also be a key goal in 2023. This can be done in numerous and simple ways, from meaningful conversations to praise and recognition, to (for employers) providing benefits such as group income protection.
4. Exercise for a healthier 2023
A healthy body leads to a healthy mind (and vice versa!), which is all the more reason for you to start focusing on your physical health. Walking or cycling to work, taking the stairs instead of the lift, attending fitness classes or going to the gym can all contribute to improving your physical wellbeing.
5. Prioritise work-life balance for a healthier 2023
A good work-life balance is incredibly important to wellbeing – employers in particular should strive to prioritise this as it can lead to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. Offering (and taking) extra PTO, flexible working arrangements including working from home, etc. are excellent ways to help improve work-life balance. Not only will employees be motivated during work hours, but they’ll also feel satisfied outside of work hours, with no strain on extra work needing to be done.
6. Learn more about mental health and wellbeing
Society’s understanding of mental health has definitely evolved, and the stigma behind mental health is fading, however, there are still common misconceptions about it even in 2023. Both employers and employees should aim to be aware of such false ideas about mental health, educating themselves to be more aware of what it is and how it can affect others. Seminars, discussions, and awareness campaigns should be championed at workplaces.
Love Lilla xx