Workplace wellness is a term that has risen in popularity in recent times. For businesses, this means promoting programs, behaviors, and activities that support the health of their employees to foster a more efficient and positive workplace culture. But the key to a successful wellness journey for employees, or anyone for that matter, is to set goals.
When we set out to better our health in one way or another, we are looking to accomplish something specific, such as lose weight, quit smoking, or consistently get enough quality sleep. The problem is that it’s easy to stray away from the path towards achieving the result we desire, which is why goals are vital for success. When goals are S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-specific), they enable you to establish your core values, set your intentions, and use specific tasks to measure your progress and actualize what you want to achieve.
Weight management, by way of example, has been and continues to be a concern for many employers and employees across the board. An overwhelming amount of studies show a strong correlation between workers who are overweight and a reduction in their productivity, as well as an increase in absences. That said if you’re one of the millions of individuals whose resolution is to lose weight and keep it off in order to be a healthier and more productive employee, using a S.M.A.R.T. goal strategy can help you succeed!
Here’s what that might look like:
S – Clearly state what it is that you are hoping to accomplish and avoid being too broad. Instead of merely saying, “I want to lose weight this year by changing my lifestyle,” specifically indicate the who/what/when/where/how behind your objective. For example, instead, you might say, “I want to lose 20 pounds in four months by exercising for at least 30 minutes each day and decreasing my caloric intake by 500 calories per day.” It may help to stick notes on your desk or mark your work calendar with reminders of how you plan to carry out those habits, such as encouraging yourself to exercise during your break or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
M – To keep tabs on your development during your
weight-loss journey, it’s essential to determine which methods you intend to
utilize to measure your progress. But before you reach for—or step on—the
scale, take a minute to hear us out. Scales might seem like a no-brainer, but
in reality, they don’t paint the entire picture. The numbers on the scale can
fluctuate during your weight-loss endeavor even if you are losing body fat
because you might also be gaining muscle mass at the same time. Not to mention,
scales aren’t representative of non-scale victories, such as going from size 12
pants to size six, for example. Luckily, Verywell Fit provides alternative ways to track your weight loss progress to
tell you whether you’re losing the right kind of weight: fat.
A – Before you embark on your weight loss venture,
consider how attainable your goal is. For instance, have you tried losing
weight in the past, but your efforts were to no avail? Perhaps you tried
counting calories, but the weight just wasn’t budging. This time around, you’ll
want to take a different approach and utilize resources to help you achieve the
results you want. Weight loss requires you to look at the nutritional value of
the foods you eat, not just calories alone. WW offers an
individually-catered weight loss program that works with you to
achieve your goals by using a SmartPoints system that encourages healthier
eating habits over counting calories. Under this plan, you are allotted a
certain number of SmartPoints that guide you to eat more lean protein, fruits
and vegetables, and less sugar and saturated fats. Lucky for you, this balanced
approach means you can still indulge in breakroom treats from time to time!
R – Let’s face it; every goal has its obstacles. But if the goal is relevant to you and serves a purpose in your life, you’re more likely to see it through. Say, for example, you’re attempting to slim down in order to look good in someone else’s wedding pictures. In this case, you’re setting a goal for someone else. Now, try finding benefits behind losing weight that matter to you and see if that doesn’t inspire you more. What are your top priorities when it comes to health that can motivate you to lose weight? Do you want to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure? Do you want to prevent heart disease? Or do you want to increase your energy levels at work? Determine what provides meaning to you and use it as fuel!
T – Once you establish a goal, set a deadline to accompany it so that you stay the course in a timely manner. Remember, your timeframe for reaching your goal needs to be both reasonable and realistic. It’s common for people to want to lose as much weight as possible in the least amount of time, but losing too much weight too quickly can be harmful to your health. Most experts conclude that one to two pounds per week, or four to eight pounds per month, is a safe and healthy weight-loss goal to aim for. However, always remember to talk to your doctor or a trusted medical professional before you begin a weight-loss plan.
Historically, weight loss is one of the most sought after goals for individuals all over the world. Especially in the workplace, weight loss programs and initiatives tend to rank high on the list among corporate wellness offerings. Weight loss by its very nature is no easy task; however, it is both attainable and valuable, especially when you implement S.M.A.R.T. goals. Not only will these goals help you streamline the weight loss process and boost your overall health, but they will also positively impact how you feel and perform at work!
So start your wellness journey today with Lifetick. You’ll be better for it!