Changing Environments

My working environment has changed in the past 2 months. I went from a small business, usually only working (and seeing) my boss for the entire day. I had my own office, with multiple desks to spread out and not a lot of distractions. There would be the occasional phone call, knock at the door, but for the most part it was just me and my work. I had my own mini fridge and my own lunch schedule. To put it simply, I had flexibility.

“But now I don’t get to control my environment for food”

Now, I work in a clinic setting, like a doctor’s office. One of the biggest changes is that I have many more co-workers. I have about 10 co-workers. That is 5 times the number of co-workers I have had in the past. I am not saying that this is a bad thing, but it is a change. There are many more personalities to interact with every day. I see many more people (co-workers and patients) in my day than I have in the past. And as an introvert by heart, that is a big change in how I recharge outside of work. I still have my own office but I don’t often shut my door so it is a constant flow of people walking by my door. Do I talk to them as they past? Is it rude if I don’t talk because I am working? What is office etiquette? I used to just yell to talk to my boss, now I have to remember extensions and call on the phone. Is her number 2236 or 2263?

My current break room. Coffee, donuts, and cookies. What else could a Dietitian ask for?

The biggest change is I now have to share a break room with my co-workers. There are perks to this, can you say Keurig machine? But now I don’t get to control my environment for food. We have a baker in the office. She loves to bring in cookies, muffins, and cupcakes. Thank goodness she only works two days a week. Also, to celebrate or show their appreciation, co-workers will bring in donuts or order pizza for everyone. If there is a pitch-in, I do always sign up to bring a salad. But that doesn’t many that everyone else’s selection is going to be healthy. Right this second, there are donuts in the breakroom and I need more coffee. I have to go past the donuts to make my coffee. I always stress to my patients to set up their environment for them to be successful.

Now I fully understand how an office environment can be toxic on your health and weight. So, what can you do? Well the easy answer is not go into the breakroom. But that cannot always be achieved. Close the box, move it to an unused area, or put it out of sight. And ultimately, if you want what is being offered in the breakroom, make sure it is something you enjoy.

It is crazy to think that a medical work environment can set you up to be an unhealthy person. I am going to keep working towards my healthiest life despite changing environments