Keeping on track with healthy habits can be challenging in the workplace. Sweet treats paired with working at your desk at lunch, see many people eating the wrong thing, and not getting enough exercise. Staying healthy at work is not only good for your physical health, but it’s also great for your mental health too.
To get back into better habits, take a look at some ways to stay healthy throughout the working day.
Risk assess your desk area
We spend so much time at our desks that can be easy to forget that a lot of problems occur just by sitting there for hours at a time. There are lots of aspects to think about when using a computer including:
- Screen brightness
- Correct chair height and back support
- VDU height
- Typing techniques and wrist supports
- Footrest
- Posture when sitting
Taking a risk assessment of your desk space and how much your use a VDU will ascertain areas that you might need support in. It could be as simple as adjusting the height of your screen, or you may need a new chair that is suitable for prolonged use. There is an increasing rise in workers comp settlement amounts for back injury in employment, so ensuring you are fully covered and seeking advise from companies such as Corey R. Pollard will reduce injury when doing your job.
Take regular breaks
Breaks throughout the day are essential to get your body moving and the blood circulating. Of course, it’s not possible to have extended breaks all the time, but even going to grab a cup of coffee is enough time for a little stretch. Take five minutes to get your eyes away from the screen, plus it can help you feel more refreshed rather than staring at something for hours on end.
Choose healthy snacks
It can be tempting to tuck into those cakes your colleague baked, but too many of these will start to have an effect on your health. Opting for healthy snacks at your desk helps improve concentration and keeps sugar levels balanced throughout the day. If you have lots of caffeine-fuelled drinks in the morning, this could also affect your mood and motivation in the afternoon. Once your energy levels slump, it’s hard to get back on track. So up your water intake and try a green tea instead of ten coffees to get you started in the morning.
Get outside
Many people spend lunch breaks at their desks or glued to their phones. However, getting outside could do wonders for your afternoon motivation levels. Getting some fresh air and taking a walk is great for physical and mental health, and it’s known to boost the happy chemicals in your brain. Ensuring you step away from the screen at lunch also helps to rest your eyes, so they don’t become fatigued and dry later in the day.
Other ways to stay healthy at work include:
- Take a fitness class during your lunch break
- Find a space to meditate
- Try out a standing desk
- Ride a bike to work
