On July 4, most people look forward to backyard fun: barbecues, fireworks, and family time. Climate scientists, on the other hand, keep an eye on the temperature. And the Bevi team tracks water usage.
It turns out, you can learn a lot by taking a look at how much water people are drinking at their offices, gyms, apartments, hotels, and other locations with a water dispenser. This year saw both record-setting heat and a spike in water consumption.
We’re in the midst of a global heatwave. July 4 this year was the world’s hottest day, with the average worldwide temperature reaching 62.9°F, breaking the record of 62.6°F set just a day earlier. The previous highest global temperature was in mid-August 2016.
Temps during Independence week were probably the warmest in “at least 100,000 years,” Jennifer Francis, a senior scientist at Woodwell Climate Research Center, told CNN, calling the records “a huge thing.”
The record was set as heat waves crossed the country from Boston to the West Coast. In late July, more than 175 million people were under excessive heat warnings as the heat index in many places rose above 100°F.
Americans are wisely following the recommendations of experts, who advise drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and replace fluids lost during exposure to high temperatures.
This trend was confirmed by dispense data from our water coolers across the country. Here at Bevi, we track real-time data from our smart water coolers, including how much water was dispensed from each of our machines nationwide.
Excluding the week of July 4th—when most people were firing up the grill and avoiding water cooler talk at the office—Bevi water usage was up dramatically in July as Americans struggled through the heatwave.
In that timeframe:
Here’s how it broke down:
Not only were people drinking more water during the heatwave, but more were choosing to add Electrolytes, one of the enhancements available in Bevi machines, to stay hydrated.
Bevi tracks the addition of enhancements to dispensed water, including Vitamin Boost, Caffeine, and Electrolytes. Our data shows that the use of Electrolytes increased 2x in the last two weeks of July vs. the average total dispenses for the month of June.
Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate. When dissolved in water, electrolytes help regulate nerve and muscle function, balance blood acidity and pressure, help rebuild damaged tissues—and hydrate the body.
When we sweat, we lose not only water but also electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration and an imbalance of important minerals in the body. Replenishing those lost electrolytes during or after any kind of exertion or exercise (especially during a heatwave) can help maintain proper fluid balance and support overall hydration.
Hopefully a reprieve from the blistering heat is in the forecast—but in the meantime, Bevi is here to help keep you cool. Here’s to staying healthy, happy, and hydrated this summer!
Learn More: Get more information about hydration with enhancements.
April 18, 2024. As the calendar turns toward summer, even if you’re working indoors, the simmering heat increases our body’s need for hydration. Enter: electrolytes.
Electrolytes aren’t just buzzwords you hear in your favorite sports drink commercials—they’re actually crucial for the healthy functioning of our brains and bodies. That’s why Bevi smart water coolers come with an electrolyte enhancement. When you can top off every drink, whether hot or cold, still or sparkling, with a proprietary blend of key minerals and vitamins, the workplace is a healthier and happier place.
Electrolytes are minerals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium, that carry an electric charge when dissolved in the body. You can imagine them like the energetic office manager of the body, making sure everything runs smoothly. From nerve signaling to muscle contractions, they ensure that the body maintains a proper equilibrium. Without them your cells would be stuck and a little bit sad—sort of like starting a day without coffee. These microscopic minerals power your every move. They’re also important for the functioning of our most important muscles: that’s right, electrolytes are crucial for helping our hearts maintain a regular rhythm.
Electrolytes are the secret weapon for those with active lifestyles, keeping up high energy levels. From the delivery drivers who spend their days putting in windshield time in the bright sun, or warehouse workers spending their day unloading heavy packages, to the athletic desk workers who never miss their morning run before heading to the office, as the calendar flips toward June, electrolytes become necessary for everybody.
In the summer months, when we sweat a lot, electrolytes are even more important, making sure our bodies can properly absorb the water we consume and stay hydrated.
For those performing physical labor, electrolytes do more than just boost energy—they’re the gatekeepers of health and safety on the manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution center floor. In fact, electrolytes are so important for the healthy functioning of the body that OSHA law in several states encourage businesses to provide their employees with an electrolyte supplement in the summer months if they’re working manual labor for more than two hours. With Bevi, your business can meet this requirement without the plastic waste—or sugar—contained in leading sports drinks like Gatorade. (Because your body deserves the best. And the planet does, too.)
When you stock your Bevi machine with an electrolytes, your users can top off every tasty still or sparkling, hot or cold beverage with a much-needed boost of healthy minerals (plus some vitamins for good measure).
Bevi’s electrolyte formula contains sodium chloride, monopotassium phosphate, and a blend of B-vitamins: B5, B6, and niacin. Together, our formula helps prevent dehydration, promotes proper cell functioning, and supports high energy levels and a healthy metabolism.
Unlike other electrolyte powders, which either have an unpleasant flavor due to their high levels of sodium or utilize egregious levels of detrimental sugar or carcinogenic artificial sweeteners to mask it, Bevi formulates its electrolyte enhancement without sugar, to be zero calorie, and with a subtle (to some, unnoticeable) essence of flavor, similar to mineral water. And you can combine our electrolytes with one (or more) of our 14 flavors or other enhancements, such as blood orange or caffeine, to create a unique beverage all your own.
Best of all, you can enjoy Bevi’s electrolytes throughout the day without needing to worry about overdoing it and getting too jittery or throwing your body out of balance.
As summer approaches, bringing with it longer days and rising temperatures, the importance of staying hydrated and electrolyte-balanced becomes paramount for everyone, especially those active and hard at work. Bevi’s electrolyte enhancement is more than just a hydration solution; it’s a commitment to the health and well-being of your team. By choosing to add electrolytes to your Bevi offerings, you’re not only ensuring that your employees stay adequately hydrated and energized, but you’re also taking a significant step towards fostering a healthier, more vibrant workplace without the waste—or hassle—of stocking and providing single-use bottles and cans.
So, as we gear up for the warm months ahead, let’s make a conscious decision to prioritize hydration and wellness. Add Bevi’s electrolyte enhancement to your manufacturing, warehouse, office, distribution center, hotel, or airport lounge amenities today, and turn every refreshment break into an opportunity for your team or guests to recharge, rejuvenate, and stay hydrated all summer long. Your employees or visitors will thank you for the thoughtful addition, and your place will buzz with the energy and enthusiasm that comes from feeling well taken care of.
Interested in learning more about our Smart Water Coolers®? >>Click here for details.
As we enter the second quarter of 2023, the business world is eagerly anticipating the return of corporate travel. With more people getting vaccinated and the global economy starting to bounce back from the pandemic, there’s no doubt that business travel is on the upswing.
However, it’s important to note that the way people travel for business has changed significantly over the past few years. While the traditional business trip is making a triumphant return through in-person conferences and meetings, conference goers are not the only ones utilizing hotels to get their work done. Plus, many Americans are putting more emphasis on a healthy lifestyle following the COVID-19 outbreak, according to Pew Research Center.
As a result, the hospitality industry needs to be mindful of these changes in order to attract more corporate travelers to their hotels.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at three ways business travel has evolved since the pandemic and what that means for the hospitality industry moving forward.
With strict travel restrictions, stay at home orders, and health concerns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that the events industry suffered tremendously. While virtual events served as a serviceable alternative during the pandemic, there is simply no substitute for the in-person connections and experiences that can be gained from attending a live event.
Fortunately, Knowland, a data and hospitality technology company, is optimistic the event industry will be back to 100 percent by the end of 2023.
As the event industry continues its recovery, Knowland’s optimism is great news for hotels that have been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic. The return of conferences, trade shows, and other business events is a key factor in the recovery of the hospitality industry, and the fact that Knowland is predicting a full return to pre-pandemic levels is certainly cause for celebration.
but….
Between meetings, conferences, and networking events, business travelers are always on the go. But one thing that’s not on their itinerary? Getting sick. So it’s no surprise that travelers are still prioritizing health and safety when it comes to their accommodations.
According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, 26% of respondents said keeping healthy became more important to them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
From hand sanitizer stations to contactless check-in and touchless hydration stations, there are a variety of measures that you can take to show your guests that their health is your top priority.
But, are conference and trade show attendees the only ones working from hotels?
With more and more companies embracing flexible work arrangements, many employees are now able to work from almost anywhere that has an internet connection. This has not only changed the way people work, but also the way they travel for business.
Hotels should prioritize offering guests amenities and services that cater to both business and leisure travelers, as some remote workers are making the most of their working situations by extending their business trips into vacations.
When catering to these business travelers, hotels should consider amenities that remote workers would expect in an office environment, such as free coffee, healthy beverages like water or seltzer, and great wifi.
From high-speed internet to fitness facilities to co-working spaces, there are many ways that hotels can appeal to the growing number of remote workers who are eager to travel and explore new destinations while staying connected to their work.
Download our guide today: “Is the Business Trip Back? What water coolers can tell us about post-COVID work travel and how the hospitality industry can adapt to these trends.”
Click here to download now.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 8 out of 10 adults are trying to reduce sugar in their diets—and for good reason. Currently, Americans consume an average of 17 teaspoons of sugar per day, which is significantly higher than the recommended amount.
One of the primary culprits? Sugary beverages like sodas, sweetened teas, coffees, and fruit juices. Though these yummy drinks may give you a temporary energy boost and satisfy a craving, their long-term health risks outweigh the short-term reward when you frequently choose them over water.
So, what’s the problem with all of these beverages? Besides their high sugar content and lack of nutrients, they’re also highly addictive and may lead to health problems such as tooth decay, obesity, and cardiovascular disease when over-consumed.
The other issue with sugary beverages? They simply won’t satisfy you in the long haul. For example, a 12oz can of Coca-Cola contains 39 grams of sugar—not surprising considering high fructose corn syrup is the second most abundant ingredient (right behind carbonated water).
Sure, you can technically sip on soda and similar beverages to meet your hydration needs, but your body will just learn to crave more and more. When we consume a hefty amount of added sugar in one sitting, our body releases dopamine and serotonin: chemical messengers that make us feel good. And who doesn’t want a surge of these feel-good chemicals? This is what leads to even more sugar cravings in the future.
Consuming high-sugar drinks also causes that familiar (and often dreaded) sugar crash thanks to the work of insulin. When we drink loads of sugary beverages such as soda or juice, our insulin quickly gets to work regulating our blood sugar. Once that insulin has finished its job though, our blood sugar drops significantly, and we’re left feeling drained and sluggish. That afternoon bottle of soda may taste great at the moment, but that feeling is very short lived.
So, how can you break the habit and choose healthier options? Let’s first look at what happens when you cut down on the sugary drinks.
By replacing your usual glass of soda or fruit juice with water, you’ll be giving your body and mind the hydration it needs. And when you’re well hydrated, you can benefit in the following ways:
If it’s 3:00 in the afternoon and you’re dying to rip into a chocolate bar, you may just be thirsty. Studies show that dehydration is a common cause of sugar cravings. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day, you can avoid those breakroom sweets altogether.
73% of the brain is water, so it’s understandable how big an impact hydration has on the body’s most important organ. When we drink water, we’re helping increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which in turn, improves cognition. Staying properly hydrated will allow you to think, synthesize, and act at your highest potential.
One of the causes of kidney stones is dehydration. By drinking enough water, your kidneys have a harder time forming the crystals that make up these highly painful, inconvenient deposits. Need another reason to cut the cola? One study found that participants who drank even just one soda per day had a 23% higher chance of developing kidney stones.
Drinking enough water throughout the day also aids significantly in digestion. Water assists in breaking down the food that you eat, which allows your body to absorb the foods’ vital nutrients.
So, with all of this talk around the benefits of sugar-free hydration, what can you do to actually reap these rewards and lower your sugar intake? Let’s take a look at our favorite ways to stay sufficiently hydrated throughout the day:
Making drastic lifestyle changes right out of the gate can be challenging to manage long term. Additionally, quitting sugar cold turkey may trigger withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. So remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Wean yourself off sugary beverages by decreasing your intake slowly and methodically. If you usually have 3-4 cans of pop a day, try cutting this amount in half for a week and assess how you feel. When you’re ready, you can continue decreasing your soda intake until you’ve reached a goal you’re happy with. Just make sure you’re replacing those missing fluids with water! Which leads us to our next tip…
Experts recommend replacing a bad habit with a healthy one to increase your chances of long-term success. Try swapping out your usual can of soda for a healthier beverage.
If the carbonation is what leads you to a cold bottle of cola, flavored seltzer is a great way to go. Since most flavored seltzers are unsweetened, it may take some getting used to. Luckily, there are so many different brands and flavors available, you’re bound to find one you enjoy.
Other popular soda alternatives include lemon water, unsweetened flavored iced tea, and kombucha. Spend some time experimenting with different beverages to find a suitable swap that satisfies your craving.
A great way of kicking a bad habit is by making the healthier alternative more convenient. By keeping water nearby at all times and making soda difficult to access, you’re much more likely to choose water as your main hydration source.
Invest in a reusable water bottle or tumbler and bring it everywhere you go. Reaching for a reusable bottle is far more convenient than stopping at a gas station (or even just opening the fridge) when you’re feeling thirsty.
If you’re motivated by accountability, this may be a great option for you. Inform a close friend or relative about your desire to cut back on sugary beverages. We tend to care deeply about what people think about us, especially friends and family we love.
Looping them in on your goals can do wonders for your long-term success. Plus, there’s always a chance they’d like to join you in your challenge as well.
With a bit of patience and some experimentation, it is possible to cut sugary beverages out of your routine and start living a healthier, more hydrated lifestyle.
And we know we’re biased, but a smart water cooler such as Bevi can help you reach those goals in a simple and sustainable way. With water that delivers a personalized beverage experience in every pour, you’ll be running to refill your bottle time and time again. Fill out our quote form today to see how Bevi can help you hit your health targets.
Happy hydrating!
Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk reviewing your giant to-do list for the day. You can barely keep your eyes open and are one email away from lashing out at your co-worker for some trivial comment they made this morning. You feel that nothing you do makes a difference and you’d do anything to be literally anywhere else. Getting out of bed this morning could have counted as an Olympic sport.
If this sounds like your day-to-day, you may be experiencing workplace burnout.
Recently identified as an occupational phenomenon by The ICD-11, burnout is best described as “a state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress”.
Similar to physical ailments like the common cold, burnout can present itself in a variety of ways depending on the individual. While some may face feelings of intense dread or anxiety, others may experience feelings of anger or cynicism.
According to Mayo Clinic, some of the most common signs of burnout include:
This is by no means an exhaustive list of symptoms, so we recommend walking through this list of questions, to help you understand if burnout is something you are experiencing.
Studies show that untreated job burnout can be a significant predictor of a multitude of physical and psychological ailments including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, prolonged fatigue, insomnia, and depression.
The good news is burnout can be treated or even prevented entirely by implementing positive changes in your day-to-day life.
So what are those changes and how can you prevent it?
With looming project deadlines, long to-do lists, and personal responsibilities outside of work, sometimes our physical health takes a back burner. But, when you put everything (and everyone!) else before yourself, you’re more prone to burning out.
If you’re starting to feel burnout creeping up on you, do a quick self-assessment to identify areas of possible neglect. Are you getting enough sleep per night? If not, implement a calming night routine that includes a relaxing tea and some light stretching before calling lights-out. Also limit your use of electronics before hitting the hay as it’s shown to suppress your levels of melatonin, leading to less restful sleep.
If you work a sedentary job and struggle to fit in time for lengthy workouts, try getting up from your desk and completing some simple exercises or stretches every hour or two. Every moment spent moving your body adds up and will also help clear your mind!
Good hydration is another essential component of our physical and mental health, and should not be ignored. Staying well-hydrated can combat fatigue, promote mental clarity, and increase your energy levels. It’s also a great reason to get up, stretch your legs, take a deep breath, and combine a few other de-stressing techniques on your way to the office water cooler.
Occasionally you may feel the urge to check our inbox over the weekend or right before dozing off to sleep, but doing so can be damaging to your health and lead to burnout even faster.
According to research conducted by Stanford University, checking emails or messages outside of work hours can lead to something called “anticipatory stress”, a type of stress concerning fears and anxiety about the future. To avoid this unnecessary stress and prevent workplace burnout, you’ll want to keep your work and personal life separate. Silence those Slack or Microsoft Teams notifications outside of your working hours, set up automatic out-of-office emails when you take personal time, and avoid checking your work email on the weekend.
Though taking a short break to focus on self-care may seem counterintuitive when you have many deadlines and responsibilities, it can do wonders for your mental and physical health, thus leading to higher levels of productivity, happiness, and mental clarity.
Start by making a list of activities that make you happy. Perhaps it’s reading a few pages of a book or going for a walk in nature. For others, it may be listening to music, making a comforting cup of tea or coffee, or calling a close friend.
Next, take a look at your calendar to see where some of these self-care activities fit in. Ideally, these activities would be sprinkled throughout the day, but if that doesn’t work for your schedule, try to plan time either in the morning or evening to focus solely on self-care. Bonus points if you’re able to unplug from technology at the same time!
How to avoid burnout? Use those vacation and personal days whenever possible.
Of course there will always be deadlines and responsibilities that we can’t just walk away from, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t plan some future vacations to look forward to.
Even if your circumstances make it difficult to plan a 2 week-long vacation, a simple day trip to a nearby city or a few hours at the spa can make a world of difference. Being able to step away from work for a short amount of time can have you returning refreshed and rejuvenated.
Not ready to jump on a plane quite yet? Research shows that just the anticipation of a future vacation can be enough to boost your happiness.
When put into high-pressure situations, managing the onslaught of emotions that come with it can be quite difficult. Thankfully, there are some simple stress-management strategies that can be executed on the spot to further prevent workplace burnout.
Certain mindfulness practices like guided meditation or deep breathing do wonders for calming the mind, making it easier to make important decisions and focus on what’s most important. If movement is more your cup of tea, try going for a short walk when the going gets tough. Research shows that even a ten-minute walk can increase confidence, improve circulation, and boost your mood.
Unfortunately, workplace burnout presents itself differently to everyone it takes hold of. Because of this, your supervisor or close colleagues may not even notice anything different about you until it begins to impact your performance. So, if you’re feeling susceptible to burnout, it’s important to communicate your concerns with your supervisor or close colleagues.
This could be making time with a manager to share tactical setbacks that are making your job more difficult or simply having lunch with a coworker to vent your frustrations. Either way, it always feels good to talk it out and communicate your concerns. You don’t need to fight burnout alone.
If you’re worried about potential burnout or are already experiencing some of its familiar signs like physical or mental exhaustion, it’s time to make some changes.
Things like prioritizing self-care, practicing stress-management techniques, and communicating with your boss can really go a long way toward preventing or managing burnout.
What steps do you take to prevent burnout? Share your favorite tips with us over on our Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or TikTok!
When searching for a place to call home, there’s a lot on residents’ minds. Monthly costs, included utilities, parking spaces, neighborhoods, and building safety just to name a few…
Nowadays, the list doesn’t end there, as many renters cite a desire for specific amenities when apartment hunting.
However, not all amenities are created equal. Research shows that apartment seekers will choose their future residence based on the types of amenities offered. For example, 21% of respondents in Venn’s 2022 Renters Experience Report say that the physical amenities in their apartment building play a pivotal role in whether or not they will renew their lease. We’d argue that’s a pretty good reason to ‘up the ante’ when it comes to your amenity package.
So, what types of amenities should you be adding to your building? Well, with the work-from-home lifestyle becoming commonplace and more people prioritizing their health, the answer seems clear. Residents want apartment amenities that will benefit their physical and mental well-being. Plus, many of these amenities are great for building a community amongst neighbors, leading to happy residents and signed lease renewals.
With this in mind, let’s take a deep dive at seven health and wellness amenities you should consider adding to your building:
With the average annual gym membership cost ranging from $622 – $782, it’s no surprise that many renters are searching for apartments that include an on-site fitness center.
Whether it’s a small gym with a few cardio machines or a large facility complete with a half-mile jogging loop and yoga studio, your residents will appreciate a space to work up a sweat without having to travel far or pay membership fees.
Regardless of where exactly it’s placed in your building, residents are looking for beverage stations to keep them hydrated during the day. A smart water cooler like Bevi allows users to truly customize their hydration experience through fun flavors like Peach Mango, Key Lime, and Strawberry Lemongrass. The customization doesn’t end there, though. Our new enhancement offerings allow residents to add Caffeine or Immunity to their still or sparkling water.
Having a smart water dispenser is also a fantastic (and healthy) way to build a sense of community within your building. There is no better way to get residents talking than with 48,000 different drink combinations! Plus, you’ll be doing the planet good at the same time as one Bevi machine can displace up to 30,000 single-use bottles and cans.
Even if you’re not in a place where the weather is beautiful 99% of the time, getting outside can do wonders for your mood and mental health. A space to eat lunch outside, let the dogs socialize, or get some work done surrounded by nature can be a great mental reset.
The best part about offering a dedicated outdoor space as a communal amenity is that it can be personalized however you see fit. From BBQ areas to space for cornhole tournaments, you can create a peaceful oasis for all residents to enjoy.
Improved property value, better resident retention, and less food waste are just a few of the amazing benefits offered by community gardens.
Properties with a community rooftop garden can create gardening clubs, host community events, or even hold contests to boost resident satisfaction. Gardening can also reduce stress, promote better sleep, and even improve the immune system. Plus, there’s no better sense of accomplishment than growing your own food!
With more people foregoing their cars for bicycles, building managers should consider offering a bike-sharing program as a communal amenity, especially in major cities.
Not only will residents love having a fun way to get around town, but your building will be playing a vital role in protecting the planet. Bicycling produces zero pollution and consumes no fossil fuel, making it an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation.
Our four-legged friends also deserve some fun health and wellness amenities! It’s estimated that 23 million American households adopted a pet during the 2020 pandemic. With so many new pet owners, building managers should consider adding pet-friendly amenities if they wish to stay competitive in today’s multifamily housing market.
Your residents will appreciate having a committed place to exercise and socialize their pup. Plus, it’s another great way to build a sense of community (they say having a dog is a great way to make friends quickly!)
Having a dedicated place to unwind and hang out with friends is vital to your residents’ mental health and social well-being, which is why we’ve included this particular apartment amenity.
Some fun activities to include in a community game room include ping pong, pool tables, board games, and retro arcade games. Tie the room together with an ambient electric fireplace and you have an apartment amenity your residents will keep coming back to.
Though communal amenities are not necessary for managing a successful property, offering your residents a variety of unique experiences can improve retention rates and overall resident satisfaction.
Are there any health and fitness amenities you would add to our list? Let us know on our Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram!
If you’re back in the office and starting to miss your home Peloton workouts and lunchtime walks, you’re not alone!
It’s estimated that over 80% of Americans work a sedentary desk job, with many office workers spending upwards of 15 hours a day sitting down. In addition to this, people are returning to the office either in a hybrid or full-time capacity, which means even more time is spent commuting or sitting in meetings.
Leading an active lifestyle is important for your health, but how can we ensure that we’re not spending our entire day hunched over our desks? While getting a few hours of focused work is great for productivity, sitting for too long can lead to numerous health issues including blood clots, joint pain, and high blood pressure.
Luckily, even just a few minutes of movement every few hours can be extremely beneficial for your well-being. Not only does light exercise improve your cardiovascular health, but it can also boost your cognitive function, leading to higher productivity during the work day.
So, what can you do during your working hours to reap these benefits? We’ve curated a list of exercises that can be completed with minimal to no equipment.
Get your body moving and your blood pumping with these 12 desk workouts.
Arm circles are a simple yet effective exercise that targets your shoulder muscles.
In a standing or seated position, extend your arms out to either side and roll them forward in a circular motion.
Try circles of different sizes after about 20 rotations.
Do the same movement in a backward motion.
Also called neck swings, carefully rolling your neck can relieve the tension that builds up after a long day in front of a screen.
Relax your muscles and lean your chin down toward your chest.
Roll your head gently from shoulder to shoulder.
Repeat 3-5 times.
One of the most popular upper body stretches, the overhead stretch helps maintain the range of motion in the shoulders.
From a seated or standing position, extend your arms above your head.
Interlock your fingers and turn your palms toward the sky.
Gently push your arms up and hold for 5-10 seconds.
This exercise is a great way to reduce lower back and hip pain.
From a seated position, keep your left foot on the ground, and cross your right ankle on top of your left knee.
Keeping your back straight, gently lean forward until you feel a stretch in your hip and glute.
For a deeper hip stretch, gently press down on your right knee.
Hold for 10-30 seconds and then switch your legs so your left ankle is on top of your right knee.
For more low-impact movements you can do at your desk, try these 10 easy desk stretches.
All you need to complete this exercise is a non-swivel chair with sturdy legs (please do not attempt this with a rolling office chair!).
Standing with a stationary chair behind you, put your palms flat on the chair with your fingers facing away from you.
Lower your body until your arms are parallel to the ground.
Push yourself back up to the starting position and repeat 10 times.
Though this movement may look too simple on the surface, don’t be fooled. Calf raises help you avoid certain injuries related to running or jogging, such as Achilles tendonitis. They also improve balance and ankle stability.
Start by standing with feet about hip-width apart, with your toes pointed straight ahead.
Extend your ankles and rise up on your toes.
Lower down and repeat this movement 10-15 times.
This versatile full-body exercise can be completed on the edge of a desk, on the floor, or against a wall depending on your skill level.
If using a desk, lean against it with your palms slightly wider than your shoulders.
Lower yourself until you’re almost touching the desk and then raise back to the starting position.
Repeat 10-12 times.
Lunges work your core, quadriceps, and hamstrings, and can be completed with or without weights
Begin by standing with your hands on your hips.
Step forward with your left leg and bend until your right knee almost touches the ground.
Return to a standing position and then move forward with your right leg.
Repeat 10-12 times with each leg.
Also known as a lateral lunge, side lunges work the glutes, hamstrings, and quads while improving stability.
Begin with your feet shoulder width apart.
Take a giant step to the right, bending the knee until it reaches a 90 degree angle. Your left leg should remain entirely straight.
Return your body to the center and repeat with the left leg.
Repeat 10-12 times with each leg.
Squats work your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This is another exercise where your office chair comes in handy.
Stand with your chair behind you, and lower yourself down as if you’re going to sit in it.
When your backside is about to touch the chair, raise it back up to a standing position.
Repeat 10-12 times.
This throwback from gym class is actually a great full-body exercise and will help get your blood pumping.
Start from a standing position with your arms by your side and your feet shoulder-width apart.
Jump up, throw your hands above your head, and land with your feet wider than they were at the start.
Jump again and return to the position in which you started. Repeat for 30 seconds to a minute.
Some of the more dedicated gym goers may return to the office with workout equipment, but did you know you don’t need a jump rope to jump rope?
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart
Hop with both feet at once or alternate legs while making small circles with your wrists at your sides.
While health and exercise goals are unique to everyone, it can be a lot more fun and productive to team up with coworkers to hold each other accountable and spend some time together outside of normal working situations. Organize a low-stakes exercise challenge in your office to give new meaning to healthy competition.
How are you planning on staying active while at the office? We’d love to hear your ideas on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
The Bevi experience is all about creating a great tasting beverage that’s personalized to your preferences with just a touch of a button. That’s why we mix up great natural flavors like Peach Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry, as well as your choice of sparkling or still water.
On top of great-tasting flavors, we also want our creations to be good for you. Water is inherently healthy, but we take the extra step of making all of our flavors from natural ingredients. They’re also vegan and free from sodium, gluten, and GMOs.
Even with such a healthy baseline we realized that we could be doing more to boost the wellness of our customers. With the introduction of our new Standup 2.0 water dispenser, we’re pleased to offer our enhancements, like Immunity. The Immunity enhancement is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other extracts that boost your immune system and help prevent and fight colds.
Let’s dig into what’s in it, why it’s good for you, and when to add it to your beverage.
Get ready to get your sick days back. Each 12 oz serving contains the following immune-boosting ingredients:
This combination of vitamins and minerals collectively work to support a strong immune system. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of each ingredient.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from harm caused by free radicals. It’s one of the best nutrients for fighting off infections because it gives our immune systems a boost when we need it most. In fact, a daily dose of 1-2 grams of Vitamin C can shorten the duration of colds.
Zinc is key to the inflammatory response. It helps reduce the duration of and severity of colds by signaling what type of immune cells should be produced to support the healing process. A 2019 study of respiratory tract infections found that 30 mg of zinc per day can decrease hospital stays by an average of two days.
Elderberry refers to several different types of the Sambucus tree that grow in Europe and North America.
It’s packed with antioxidants and vitamins, making it another common supplement used to combat colds. Consumption helps reduce inflammation, stress, and even has some heart benefits.
Echinacea is an antiviral herb that has been used for hundreds of years by the Great Plains Indian tribes. The active parts of Echinacea are known for their antiviral, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Whereas many of the previous ingredients are helpful while battling a cold, Echinacea has actually proven beneficial to preventing them. Studies show that it can reduce the chance of catching a cold by over 50 percent.
Ginger has been used for thousands of years to treat colds, nausea, arthritis, migraines, and hypertension. The main antioxidant within ginger is gingerol, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound with strong immune-building properties.
Studies show that its antibacterial properties even offer benefits against some drug-resistant bacteria.
All of these ingredients are carefully blended together to ensure the highest consistency and quality is maintained. As with our natural flavors, all ingredients used in our Immunity enhancement come straight from their natural source with no added fillers. It’s a rare quality, but we’re committed to using only natural ingredients in order to offer the most comprehensive immune boost possible.
We recommend choosing up to three flavors and two enhancements from our Standup 2.0 to create your favorite beverage.
If you’re an eight-glasses-per-day type of water drinker, don’t worry about overdoing it with Immunity. Your body knows to use what it needs from these vitamins and extracts and then just gets rid of any extra. Even so, the quantities selected for this blend were chosen with all-day consumption in mind, so you can add it to any glass of water without worry.
There’s never a bad day to add vitamins and minerals to your diet, but as many of us head back to the office and start interacting with more people each day, it’s especially important to be mindful of our health. In addition to eating well, exercising, and hydrating, an immune boost will go a long way toward keeping you healthy and happy.
Interested in adding Immunity to your space? Get a quote for a Bevi water dispenser here.
Sparkling water with Lemon and an Immunity boost? How about Peach Mango mixed with Raspberry and Electrolytes? Get ready to create your dream beverage now that flavor mixing and enhancements are available on all Bevi machines, including earlier versions of our Standup machines and the Countertop!
Here are the exciting changes you can expect with Bevi’s latest software update:
Flavor Mixing: Gone are the days of single-flavored beverages. With this new update, users of our Countertop and early Standup models can now mix up to 3 different flavors and enhancements (remember, our Standup 2.0 allows for even more mixing combinations!)
Enhancements: Take your water to the next level with our new line of enhancements! Electrolytes, Immunity, and Caffeine can all be coupled with any flavor installed in your machine, or added to plain sparkling or still water.
Though flavor mixing is super exciting, especially for those looking to have some fun with their water combinations (Cucumber Raspberry Grapefruit sparkling water, anyone?), we really want to shine the spotlight today on our new enhancements.
Bevi enhancements amplify the beverage experience without any artificial ingredients, added sugar, dyes, or calories.
Let’s take a look at each of Bevi’s three enhancement offerings in more detail:
Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in water. These minerals split into different ions that the body uses to balance pH and water levels, rebuild damaged tissue, and regulate muscle and nerve function.
Some of the most common types of electrolytes include potassium, calcium, and magnesium—all minerals that we use in our Electrolyte enhancement.
Adding Electrolytes to your still or sparkling water is a great way to boost hydration, especially if you’re an athlete looking to improve your overall hydration levels.
Even if you’re not an athlete, maintaining your electrolyte balance is essential to your overall health. This is why we carefully selected a formula that can be safely consumed all day, so feel free to sip away!
Most sports drinks on the market typically contain quite a bit of added sugar. For example, a 20 oz bottle of Gatorade contains a whopping 34 g of sugar. Compare that to the American Heart Association’s max recommendation of 36 g of added sugar per day for men and 25g for women, and it’s no surprise that many people find themselves far exceeding these thresholds..
Considering a glass of Bevi sparkling or still water with Electrolytes contains no added sugar, synthetic food dyes, or calories, it’s a healthier choice for those looking to limit their sugar intake.
Plus, all of our flavors and enhancements are vegan and free of sodium, gluten, and GMOs, so you can enjoy any Bevi drink with zero guilt.
Our Immunity enhancement is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other extracts that boost your immune system and help prevent and fight colds. But, what exactly goes into this vitamin and mineral blend?
Each 12 oz serving of Immunity contains 36 mg of Vitamin C (40% DV), 3 mg of Zinc, (29% DV), Elderberry, Echinacea, and Ginger Extract.
If you typically drink a lot of water throughout the day, you’ll be glad to know that you can’t overdo it with Immunity! Your body knows what vitamins it needs and will simply get rid of any extra. Even so, the quantities selected for this blend were chosen with all-day consumption in mind, so you can add it to any glass of water without worry.
Feel a slight tickle in your throat and concerned you might be coming down with something? Instead of sifting through your medicine cabinet for immune-support tablets and powders, try adding our Immunity enhancement to your next bottle of Bevi water.
Our Immunity enhancement is chock-full of many of the same vitamins and minerals typically found in immune-boosting supplements, and, unlike alternatives, there’s no need to fiddle around with packets of sugary powder to get a hydrating immune-boost. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment by eliminating plastic bottles and other packaging waste. A win-win proposition if you ask us!
Using the natural caffeine extracted from green coffee beans, our Caffeine enhancement will keep you both energized and hydrated.
At Bevi, we have two different settings for our Caffeine enhancement: low at 45 mg per 12 oz serving, and high at 95 mg per 12 oz serving—great for a small energy boost without relying on sugary lattes, energy drinks, or shots of espresso to get you through the work day. It’s also a great option for those who aren’t fans of coffee (it is an acquired taste, after all).
If you rely on multiple cups of coffee or cans of energy drinks to get you through the day, you’ll be thrilled to know that our Caffeine enhancement is a healthier alternative compared to a second or third cup of joe.
With the Bevi machine, users can control how much caffeine goes into their water (45 or 95 mg per 12 oz), whereas a typical cup of coffee contains an average of 95 mg per 8 oz.
If you’re looking to swap out your afternoon grande Caffé Mocha from Starbucks—which comes with 35 g of sugar and 10 g of saturated fat—our Caffeine enhancement is the way to go. Your body will thank you for the extra hydration.
In addition to reducing your carbon footprint and saving about 30,000 plastic bottles a year with a Bevi machine, you can save on beverage costs, too.
On average, a glass of water from the Bevi costs roughly $0.20 per 12 oz glass—less than half of what you’d pay for bottled, flavored, and sparkling water.
And with enhancements, the savings keep on coming.
Users who add Electrolytes to their machine can save around $0.50 per beverage by switching from bottled sports drinks to Bevi water. Plus, Bevi users can have fun customizing their enhanced water by mixing different flavors—something none of the leading bottled brands can offer!
Enhancements and flavor mixing will now be available for all machines.*
If you would like to try enhancements, please request them by contacting your Bevi provider. (Don’t have a Bevi machine yet? We can help solve that problem—contact us here.)
What are your favorite Bevi combinations? We’d love to hear about them! Let us know your Bevi ‘drink of choice’ by sharing on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!
*Please note: Machines must be connected to the internet (via Wi-Fi, cellular module, or ethernet cable) to receive these new features. Please reach out to support@bevi.co with any questions.
With burnout and turnover on the rise during the Great Resignation, it’s never been more important to prioritize health and wellness and check in with each other to make sure we’re all taking care of our minds and bodies at home and in the office.
While it may seem like diet, exercise, and other health factors are more pertinent to home life than the office, there’s a lot that can be done during the workday to encourage healthy habits all day long. Here are 7 ideas for promoting health and wellness in your workplace.
Before we get into all the ways you can promote mental wellness, we should recognize that physical wellness is also an important part of the total package that keeps stress at bay. While not everyone is comfortable in a gym setting, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a way to incentivize or reward physical fitness for your whole office. Whether it’s a discount at a local gym or a stipend for yoga classes or at-home workout equipment, helping employees develop an exercise routine will reduce stress and promote health in the workplace.
It’s natural to crave comforting snacks during a stressful project. That’s why it’s important to stock your office with snacks that will keep employees healthy and full. On the food side, this means ditching candy and chips and replacing them with food groups like fruits, vegetables, and nuts that will boost energy without resulting in a sugar crash.
On the beverage side, this means avoiding sugary drinks like juice and soda and giving your employees all the healthy variety and customization of a standup water dispenser. Not only is water the base of every beverage created on a Bevi machine, but all of our flavors are made from natural ingredients. If you’re looking for even more health benefits in your glass, you can also add a boost of electrolytes or our immunity enhancement that’s made of vitamin C, zinc, elderberry, echinacea, and more.
For three years running, a poll by Human Resource Executive found that the most sought-after employee benefit is paid time off. The rise of remote work has allowed many employees the time and space to reevaluate their relationship to work, and most have found that the key to remaining in one job for a long time and continuing to perform at a high level is adequate time off to recharge.
One option for retaining long-tenured employees as well as incentivizing newer recruits to stay with you is by offering sabbatical leave. While you should develop a sabbatical leave policy that works for you, one framework is to reward employees of five years with at least four weeks of bonus leave.
The Harvard Business Review recommends meditation for CEOs because it builds resilience, boosts emotional intelligence, enhances creativity, and improves relationships. We say that if it’s good enough for the CEO, it’s good enough for the whole organization!
You can make meditation accessible to everyone in your workplace by sponsoring memberships to meditation apps like Calm and Headspace. Employees can then choose to practice before or after work or even during a break in the workday. Just a few minutes per day adds up to better resilience, creativity, and focus.
Ping pong tables have taken a lot of heat for being unnecessary distractions in serious offices, but everyone could use a little fun in the middle of a busy day. If ping pong or other games don’t fit into your office culture, think of offsite activities that would be good team bonding experiences. Something like a cooking class or a motivational speaker from your industry can break up the work and help employees discover new interests.
We’ve all tried to work through a cold and found even the most routine tasks to be difficult. Mental ailments can have a similar effect on work. Making coaching, counseling, and other resources available and encouraging employees to seek them out is a great way to counteract the stigma around mental health and make sure everyone is taking care of their whole selves.
According to the Mayo Clinic, massage therapy has countless benefits including stress reduction, improvement of circulation and energy, lowering of heart rate and blood pressure, and improvement of immune function. While massage is often seen as a luxury treatment, when you take into account all of the benefits that directly address factors that lead to stress and burnout, it’s a worthwhile investment for your team.
Remote work has allowed more and more people to find the time to exercise and care for their bodies and brains, and as they return to the office, they’ll be looking for ways to maintain these good habits. By making it clear that health and wellness are top priorities for your organization, employees will have one less thing to worry about as they transition back to the office, and the results should last far into the future as well.
How are you thinking about promoting health and wellness more in your company? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn!