A person’s fitness level and family environment play a large role in job success and satisfaction. Factors such as stress, illness and fatigue all impact a worker’s motivation.  It can be very easy to relax a little too much once the work week is through, engaging very little in physical activities and eating less than nutritious foods.  In order to do your best at work, you need to feel your best.  Getting the whole family involved in a healthy lifestyle can be a great way to spend quality time and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to get back to work.

Here are some tips to starting a healthier lifestyle for everyone in your family:

• Schedule regular time throughout the week for physical activity
• Take turns selecting an activity for the family to do as a group each week
• Use physical activity instead of food as a reward (take the family skating, for example)
• Emphasize the importance of having fun and learning; avoid a push to win
• Pack your own nutritious snacks and meals for family outings
• Keep fruits and vegetables washed, cut-up, chilled, and readily available for post-exercise snacking
• Devote a portion of your lunch break to physical activity (like walking)
• Always use the stairs
• Park the car as far away from the entrance as possible
• Discover what free and low cost physical activities are near your home (park, bike trail, hiking trail, tennis court, swimming pool, etc.)

To view these and additional tips and healthy living resources, visit www.shapeup.org/pubs/99tips

Contact First Sun EAP for assistance with stress and other concerns that affect your family. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-968-8143 or 803-376-2668 in Greater Columbia.