Hello, hello! Did you guys know that today is World Health Day?

I didn’t until a few days ago when the fine folks at Cotopaxi asked me to share some of my “healthy living hacks” with you guys.

World Health Day, which falls on the birth date (April 7) of the World Health Organization, is held annually to bring attention to a unique global health concern.

This year’s theme—diabetes—is personal, as my mother was diagnosed as Type II diabetic a few years ago.

Although diabetes is sometimes genetic (particularly Type I—which is often detected at birth or during childhood), the development of Type II diabetes can often be prevented or reversed by maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

Take a look at the graphic below.

Since there may be a genetic component involved, I’m extra vigilant about maintaining my health and lowering my risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

However, when you work inside an office all day like I do, it can be difficult to make healthy choices, which is why I’m sharing a few of my Healthy Hacks for the 9-5 Life.

1. Get adequate sleep

It might sound weird to mention sleep when talking about office life, but what I mean is, you should sleep enough through night so that you’re alert during the day. If you’re exhausted while manning the phone lines or leading a business meeting, then you’re more likely to make poor choices during the rest of your day.

2. Brown bag it

…or invest in an eco-friendly lunchbox. 🙂 I’ve found that when I eat breakfast at home (or pack a healthy option like overnight oats or a nutrient-packed smoothie) and bring a home-cooked lunch, I have more energy. And while I support having lunch with coworkers, when you pack your lunch, you’re less likely to consume fast food, which is good for your health and your wallet.

3. Drink plenty of water

No matter where you spend your days, adequate hydration is important. Drinking plenty of water, though, can also help keep snack cravings at bay. Plus, it gives you an extra excuse to take a walk (all that water has to go somewhere). I love the look and functionality of these stainless steel bottles!

4. Walk whenever possible

We all know a sedentary lifestyle is basically a death sentence, but depending on your job duties, you probably have the opportunity to move around. To get in those extra steps and movements, try parking as far from your office as possible. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk during your lunch break or organize a walking meeting. I try to get up and stretch my legs (or arms) every hour. Sometimes I’m busy and the minutes fly by, but the point is, I keep my body moving by walking at lunch and doing some basic stretches in my cubicle.

5. Take a little time for yourself

Whether you arrive at work 15 minutes early to sip your coffee and listen to a podcast or wake up to fit in a few moments of meditation before your commute, it’s essential that you have some time to yourself. If you’re like me, hit the gym after work to unwind and regroup or spend a few minutes reading at the library before rushing home to prepare dinner. Just be sure to keep make your mental health a priority, too.

Staying healthy in an office environment can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible! Join Cotopaxi and me in remembering to make your health a priority today and every day.

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Cotopaxi creates outdoor products including hiking backpacks, water bottles, jackets along with experiences that move people to do good and inspire adventure.  They donate a percentage of every sale to different organizations across the globe to focus efforts on global poverty alleviation & give targeted grants to advance health, education, and livelihoods initiatives around the world.

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[linking up for thinking out loud]

• Have you ever heard of World Health Day?
• Do you (or anybody close to you) have diabetes?
• What is your favorite daily “health hack?”