Why You’re Always Tired at Work and The Invisible Toxins You’re Breathing In Every Day
- Brainz Magazine
- May 24
- 4 min read
Mind and muscle aligned. Pro bodybuilder Tamara Makar guides athletes and high achievers to their best. Holistic wellness for ultimate performance. Discover your edge. Level up your mind and body.
You might not see them, but toxins are stealthily sabotaging your workday: from the stale air recycling through vents to the thermal receipt paper you handle without thinking. These silent invaders don’t just cloud your focus; they hijack your energy, disrupt your hormones, and chip away at your productivity one exposure at a time.
Studies link poor indoor air quality and chemical exposure to headaches, fatigue, and even long-term health issues. The good news? With a few strategic changes, you can transform your workspace into a clean, energizing sanctuary that fuels efficiency and well-being.
5 actionable ways to detoxify your workspace
1. Purify your air
Indoor air can be 2-5x more polluted than outdoor air (EPA). Combat this by:
Adding air-purifying plants (snake plants, peace lilies, spider plants).
Using a HEPA air purifier to filter dust, mold, and VOCs.
Opening windows regularly to increase ventilation.
2. Neutralize lingering toxins after cleaning
Office cleaning crews often use harsh chemicals, but these don’t just disappear after they leave. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Ventilate aggressively after cleaning:
Prop open doors/windows (even a crack helps).
Run an air purifier with activated charcoal (absorbs chemical fumes).
Keep disinfectant wipes off your desk:
Most contain quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats"), which are linked to asthma and skin irritation.
Use plain microfiber cloths + water for daily wipe-downs.
Wash hands after touching high-chemical zones:
Doorknobs, elevator buttons, and shared printers get heavy chemical use.
Skip antibacterial soap (triclosan disrupts hormones). Opt for fragrance-free castile soap.
Grow a "toxin buffer" with desk plants:
English ivy and bromeliads absorb benzene (found in cleaners).
Peace lilies neutralize ammonia (common in window sprays).
3. Adopt toxin-free workspace habits
Your daily routines could be introducing hidden toxins without you realizing it. Try these healthier swaps:
Ditch disposable coffee cups: Most paper cups contain microplastic linings (which leach into your drink when heated). Use a ceramic or stainless-steel mug instead. (Bonus: Many cafés offer discounts for bringing your own cup!)
Reheat food safely: Microwaving in plastic containers releases harmful chemicals (like BPA), and studies suggest microwaves zap nutrients from food. Opt for:
Glass or ceramic containers for reheating.
A mini steam oven or portable lunch warmer for a gentler heat option.
Skip synthetic air fresheners & scented candles: These often contain phthalates, linked to hormone disruption. Try:
Essential oil diffusers (lavender or peppermint boost focus).
Beeswax candles (they purify the air instead of polluting it).
4. Reduce EMF exposure
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronics may disrupt focus. Minimize exposure by:
Keeping phones/laptops at a distance when not in use. Using wired headphones instead of Bluetooth.
Taking tech-free breaks to reset your nervous system.
5. Boost natural light & ergonomics
Poor lighting and posture contribute to fatigue. Optimize your space by:
Positioning your desk near natural light (or using full-spectrum bulbs) and investing in an ergonomic chair and a standing desk.
Adding blue light filters to screens to reduce eye strain.
The productivity payoff
A toxin-free workspace isn’t just about health, it’s about working smarter. Employees in cleaner environments report higher focus, fewer sick days, and better morale. By making these changes, you’re not just detoxing your desk; you’re upgrading your entire work experience.
Want to go deeper? Discover a toxin-free life beyond your workspace
If this peek into workplace toxins surprised you, imagine what happens when you apply holistic detox principles to every area of your life. In my signature video course, Elevate A Holistic Approach to Health and Vitality, we go beyond the desk to help you thrive with:
The power of nutrition: Learn how to fuel your body with clean, energizing foods that fight fatigue and boost longevity (hint: it’s not just about “eating healthy”).
Detoxification for a toxin-free life: Unmask hidden toxins in
your food, home, and everyday products: plus practical swaps that actually stick.
The importance of movement: Discover how joyful, intentional movement (no gym required!) rewires your brain and body for resilience.
Stress-relief strategies: Master science-backed mindfulness, breath-work, and grounding techniques to neutralize stress before it drains you.
Small changes create big shifts. If you're ready to feel clearer, lighter, and more energized every day, join the course here. Your future self will thank you.
Tamara Makar, Holistic High Performance Coach
Imagine a world where sculpted strength meets serene inner peace. Meet Tamara, a professional bodybuilder and holistic performance coach, who doesn't just build bodies but also forges minds. Tamara empowers athletes, entrepreneurs, and driven individuals to shatter limitations, weaving together the raw power of strength training with the subtle art of mindfulness, meditation and breathwork in order to find their balance, sharpen their focus, and achieve sustainable success. Curious how she unlocks peak performance from the inside out? Dive into Tamara's journey and discover the transformative secrets for yourself.
