6 Wellness Hacks That Will Make Your Work Day Feel Less Like Work

Work doesn’t always look the way it used to. Some of us are back in the office, juggling in-person meetings and endless to-do lists, while others are adjusting to the new normal of working from our couches, finding the most flattering ring light for video conference calls, and never putting on dress pants again. But no matter where, or how, or when you work these days, one thing hasn’t changed: you need — and deserve — a break. Add some flavor (literal or figurative) to your day with these seven live-your-best-life hacks:

1. Grab a Protein-Packed Breakfast

How many times did our moms remind us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? A thousand? And yet, how many mornings do we hit snooze on eating while refilling our coffee mugs until we’re so wired we could type 100 words per minute with our eyes closed? Before you dive into your day, take a few minutes to eat a quick, protein-rich breakfast that will help you power through till lunch. Stirring in fresh chopped fruit like strawberries or pineapple with delicious, creamy cottage cheese is a quick way to get a balanced breakfast that will do wonders for your energy levels.

2. Give Yourself a Break

Whether you work in an office or at your dining room table, studies have shown that taking regularly scheduled breaks makes you more productive than if you work straight through without stopping. It’s easy to keep saying “Just one more task!” until your rear end literally falls asleep from sitting for so long, so make sure to schedule breaks in your calendar just like any other meeting. Mental pauses are good for productivity, but more importantly, they’re great for boosting your mood.

3. Up Your Water Bottle Game to Stay Hydrated in Style

We all know that hydration is essential for keeping our energy up and our brains sharp to tackle whatever challenges our work days bring, but who says we have to drink plain old water? For an unbelievably chic-feeling hack that is both simpler and cheaper than buying a flavored seltzer or electrolyte beverage, toss some cut-up fruit or cucumber into your water bottle or carafe of choice. Voila: you’ve made a lightly flavored, naturally vitamin-infused beverage that will keep you feeling refreshed all day long (bonus: when you’ve drained the bottle, you’ve got a healthy snack!).

4. Banish Boring Lunches

If I have to see one more social media reel where someone puts four identical pieces of baked chicken into four identical bento boxes next to four scoops of steamed vegetables, I will cry. Nothing against the ingredients, which are undeniably nutritious, but who wants to eat the same thing every single day for a week? Mix up your midday meals by surprising yourself with different flavor combinations, making sure to add protein for lasting energy. Cottage cheese is an incredibly versatile powerhouse for lunches: you can add it to a sandwich in place of mayo, mix it with both sweet and savory toppings (try avocado, nuts or seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha), or use it as a dip for veggies and crackers.

5. Take It Outside

You’ve probably heard (and experienced) by now that green spaces are great for boosting your mood. But did you know that spending time among green things can also help with brain functions like memory, creativity, and attention? So make sure some of those aforementioned scheduled breaks happen outdoors. Whether you take a meditative walk, run a local errand, or just sit on a park bench staring into the middle distance, you absolutely must go outside a couple of times per day (or, if the weather is bad, close your laptop, open a window, and just breathe in the fresh air).

6. Clock Out Like You Mean It

Even if you truly love your job, it’s still great for your overall well-being to maintain workday boundaries that protect your private time to rest, relax, and reset. That means deciding what time you’re finished for the day, and setting an alarm on your phone or watching for that hour. Then, when you’re done, you’re done. Think of it as ghosting your work, at least until morning. We promise you won’t hurt its feelings.

Photographer: Maria Be

Art Director: Julie Vaccaro

Prop Stylist: Adri Suarez

Food Stylist: Molly Corrigan

Wardrobe Stylist: Heather Newberger

Hair and Makeup: Maya René

Production: Danica Butkovich