Whether you work in an office or work from home, you’re probably reading this because much of your day involves doing stuff at a desk and perhaps using a computer for the most part. Yet, you’re unhappy because you don’t feel you lead a healthy lifestyle when you work.
Don’t worry because it’s possible to change how you work so you can be healthier while remaining productive and efficient at what you do. With that in mind, here are five practical steps you can take to create more equilibrium in your work-health balance:
1. Upgrade Your Workstation
Do you have a standard office desk and chair? If so, it’s time to upgrade them and instantly reap the health benefits! For example, you could get a standing desk and a matching ergonomic chair, so you don’t need to spend the whole day sitting down at your desk.
The trouble with standing up at a standard height desk is you have to crouch down to use your computer or do anything at the desk. A standing desk helps you avoid that problem, and a matching chair means you can sit down for the times you’d rather not stand.
2. Cut Down on the Caffeine
Next, you need to cut down on your coffee and tea consumption while working and instead opt for drinking regular water. Yes, water might not be as interesting to drink like a cappuccino, for example, but it offers a raft of health benefits over such beverages.
For instance, water contains no calories and won’t make you put on weight. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day while you work helps to flush toxins out of your body. Finally, water will help you combat dehydration, resulting in productivity boosts at work!
3. Eat a Packed Lunch
When it’s lunchtime, avoid the temptation to eat unhealthy food from your staff canteen or nearby food vendors. Instead, pack some healthy food in a lunchbox and take it to work with you each day. If you’re a homeworker, keep it in your refrigerator, ready for your lunch break.
Your body will thank you for feeding it healthy foods, and your bank account will thank you for saving money instead of spending money on packaged food from elsewhere.
4. Go For a Walk on Your Break Times
You will probably get or give yourself one or two breaks each day apart from lunch. Use that time to go for a brisk walk around your office premises or home. Why should you do that during your break times, you might ask yourself?
The answer is simple: break time walks promote better health and fitness. Additionally, such actions help lower your workplace stress levels and think more clearly about resolving problems at work.
5. Don’t Smoke While You’re at Work
One final tip to keep in mind applies to smokers. If you smoke, try and avoid doing so while you’re at work or during your work time if you’re a homeworker. Smoking is unhealthy for a whole bunch of reasons and avoiding doing so while working will help you be healthier.
