If you are employed in the cooperate sector and spend most of your time sitting all day, staying healthy and fit might seem like an unachievable task.
After a long and tiring day of work, you might find little to no time or energy to go to the gym to exercise or go for a run. And in such a tired state, you might find little motivation to eat healthily and instead gorge on anything you can get your hands on.
On top of these, built-up workplace stress might affect your mental health and affect your sleep too.
Such poor habits can cause serious health problems in the long run. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy work habits throughout the year.
1. Healthy Snacks and Meals
To satisfy small cravings in the afternoon, carry nuts, almonds, dried fruits, or vegetables that you can put on your desk. Having healthy snacks in front of you makes it easier to resist cookies or chocolate bars from vending machines.
Also, prefer meals that you prepare yourself, or at least meals that you have control over the ingredients used.
2. Drink Plenty of Water
Water plays a crucial role in the health of your body cells. Always make sure that you drink enough water throughout your day at work. Not drinking enough water can cause fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
Try to drink at least 2 liters of water daily to stay adequately hydrated and focused at work.
3. Move, Stretch, Take breaks
Regular short breaks between tasks are proven to increase productivity by helping you focus and feel accomplished while measuring your progress.
How: Walk to the water cooler or bathroom, stretch at your desk or engage a co-worker in a short conversation. Anything you can do to get up or move around is going to be ideal. Generally, stand at least 30 minutes a day when working in an office and walk regularly to help your body work better.
4. Ergonomics and relaxation
When working on a computer, the screens and working positions can strain the eyes, the neck, and the back. Remember to take breaks between tasks, turn down your screen brightness, and keep your eyes well moistened, using eye drops if needed.
In a seated working position, keep your back and neck straight. Raise your screen as needed and change position regularly. Hands and wrists should also take breaks.
Taking the time to breathe well, working outside, allowing yourself time to relax, taking a quick nap, and being surrounded by vegetation are factors that can help you reduce the typical level of stress at work.
5. Stop Drinking Calories.
Staying hydrated is important, but you shouldn’t choose sugary, high-calorie drinks like pop, fruit-flavored drinks, or sports drinks. It may seem healthy to choose a fruit juice, but they are typically much less nutritious and contains no fiber compared to the actual fruit. It’s also hard on the wallet: the little four dollars spent on soft drinks or juice each weekday ends up being more than $1,000 a year! To make your water more appealing, add a few fruits or vegetables like strawberries, cucumber, or lemon.
6. Use The Stairs.
Make a habit of walking up the stairs to your office instead of waiting for the elevator. You’ll be in better shape, but also possibly more productive. A study conducted by the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that hospital workers who used to climb stairs saved themselves 15 minutes of waiting time every day. If you work on the top floor, you can still choose to use the stairs for at least half the distance.
Bonus Tips
Follow the safety instructions.
Familiarize yourself with the safety guidelines that apply to your workplace and make a habit of following them. They exist to protect you from danger. Be sure to learn how to properly use protective equipment. Speak to your supervisor if you have questions about the level of security in your job.
Back injuries are common in the workplace. Learn how to lift weights safely, and don’t try to move things that are too heavy for you.
Get Involved in Implementing Healthy Lifestyle Habits at Work
To help maintain healthy lifestyle habits at work, you can encourage your colleagues to participate in certain activities with you, such as physical activities or walking. It’s great for maintaining good working relationships and a source of motivation for tougher days.