Tips for Keeping Healthy at Work
by Stephanie Spino | www.everonit.com
Most people wake up, shower, brush their teeth, hopefully down something semi-resembling a “healthy breakfast” and rush out the door for work. For the most part, we like to believe that we’re making our best effort to take care of ourselves. What if I were to tell you there were many harmful things you may be overlooking everyday? At Everon, we recently began a Wellness Program to work on making our workdays healthier. Read on to learn about hidden dangers in the workplace; discover what measures you can take to better protect yourself from these health hazards.
Bad versus Good
We know the basic rules: Exercise at least three times a week, stay hydrated, see your doctor for regular checkups, and eat your fruits and veggies. The list goes on to include limiting your intake of red meat, not smoking, watching your cholesterol level, and only eating sweets on rare occasion. Well, steak and M&M’s are not the only things that can negatively impact your health. Staring at computer screens, slouching in your desk chair, and rushing through your lunch break can also take a toll on your well being.
What can you do to help yourself?
There are small, yet extremely helpful things you can do to better your workday. The following will not only prevent you from experiencing discomfort while at work, but may save you from more serious health related issues down the road.
Take Breaks – Even stepping away from your desk for three to five minutes every couple of hours will give your eyes, fingers, and mind a break. Take a short walk and keep your blood flowing; or even stretch, get a cup of water or go outside for a few minutes; you will feel rejuvenated upon returning to your desk.
Sit up straight – Emphasis on good posture should not have ended when you left your mother’s dinner table. Being seated for long periods of time in an office chair has the ability to cause not only acute, but also chronic back pain. You should be seated at a height that you find comfortable, (your neck should not be forced upward or downward to look at your computer screen,) your feet should be flat on the floor, and your shoulders straight back against your chair. It sounds so simple, but just think about how much time you spend seated in that chair- the repercussions of sitting it in improperly can definitely add up.
Take your Lunch Break, but Pack your Lunch – Not only will this most likely be healthier for your body, your wallet will profit too. If you can’t stomach the thought of bringing your lunch every day, compromise. Make a “Monday through Wednesday pack lunch, Thursday and Friday eat out” pact with yourself. Remember, just because you bring your lunch doesn’t mean you can’t take your break. If you have the time to step away from your desk, enjoy your lunch in a break room, or better yet outside if the weather permits.
Snack Wisely – Around 3:00, most people hit that afternoon slump. Far too many are apt to reach for a soda or high-sugar treat. Avoid the temptation at all costs! This will only ultimately leave you feeling more sluggish. Instead, reach for something that will really fuel you up. Great options are an apple with peanut butter, a handful of nuts or a bag of pretzels…and skip the soda, reach for water or juice instead. Stay far away from bowls of candy and people who are constantly trying to push cookies on everyone and you will have much better chances of staying on track.
Control Stress – Prioritize your workday. We all know there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish everything we would in an ideal world. Each night before leaving work, write down two or three main things you need to accomplish the following day. When you arrive the following morning, you will be much more likely to stay focused. Also, control noise levels as much as possible. Studies show that even low-noises in cubicle styled offices increase stress levels significantly. Noise, like any type of distraction, goes hand in hand with stress levels.
There are many factors we have no control over in both the workplace and life in general. However, by getting a better handle on those you can manage, you can become more productive, less stressed, and even healthier. Make small steps towards improving your work habits; in no time, they will begin making a huge impact. For more information regarding this article please contact sspino@everonit.com.
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