Many office workers might think it is impossible to live a healthy life when sitting behind a desk all day. However, it is essential for your long-term health and happiness to care for your mind and body throughout the working day.
If you want to embrace a better lifestyle, say goodbye to bad habits, and feel generally happier at work, here are six ways to be healthier in an office.
- Bring a Healthy Lunch to Work
Many office workers tend to pop out to the local sandwich shop on their lunch break. However, this limits the control of the food you eat and the calories you consume each day. Plus, it can also play havoc with your bank balance. If you want to know exactly what you are eating each day, make a healthy lunch to eat at your desk or on a bench outside the office.
- Stock Up on Healthy Snacks
It can be tempting to head to a vending machine before or after lunch, or you might struggle to say no to the many chips and cookies passed around the office when suffering a mid-afternoon slump. To ensure you are never tempted to fill up on sugar-laden treats, keep plenty of healthy snacks nearby, so you can banish any hunger pangs without damaging your health.
- Break Poor Computer Habits
Staring at a computer screen each day is not only exhausting, but it could take its toll on your eyes, back, head and neck. For example, poor posture when sitting at a desk can reportedly cause symptoms of chronic neck pain, which could impact your movement if left untreated. It is essential to take regular, short breaks when performing tasks. It might also help to routinely shift positions and sit up straight.
- Find Ways to Exercise
Working in an office doesn’t mean you need to embrace a sedentary lifestyle. There are various ways to incorporate more physical activity into the working day. For instance, you could:
- Take the stairs over the elevator
- Go for a walk on your lunch break
- Hit the gym before or after work
- Ask a colleague for a walking meeting
- Stretch at your desk
- Meet with a co-worker over sending an email
- Walk or cycle to or from work
Look for ways to boost your heart rate, stretch your legs and embrace more physical activity.
Drink Plenty of Water
Do you often experience extreme tiredness or troublesome headaches at work? It could be due to dehydration. Prevent a mid-day slump by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, which could help you to develop a healthier, happier body. It might also help to ditch the second or third cup of coffee for H2O, which can otherwise cause restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, and irritability.
Take a Deep Breath
Stress can quickly rise up inside your body when working in an office, as you will need to contend with much noise and many distractions. Whenever you feel annoyed, angry or stressed, take a moment to enjoy a minute or more of deep breathing. Ensure you look away from your work and focus solely on inhaling and exhaling, which could make you feel happier and more relaxed.
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