Coffee, tasty treats, candy, and a mid-afternoon soda turn the workplace diet into a daily celebration. While these things are certainly tempting and fine in moderation, our bodies beg to be treated better!
Maintaining good health levels, staying active and consuming nutritional foods on the job may be difficult, but don’t fret! We’ve identified five (5) workplace health tips to boost your workplace habits.
Eat Well
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the most important actions to take. Strive to eat a wholesome breakfast in the mornings before arriving at work. Ninety-three percent of people believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day while only 44 percent actually eat breakfast!
Those not eating breakfast must satisfy their appetite with something quick and likely less healthy once at work. One quick and easy option is a cup of plain yogurt mixed with granola and fruit.
When the mid-morning or mid-afternoon hunger strikes, avoid snacks like sweets, or fatty foods. Instead, follow your breakfast solution with a bag of nuts or some fruit.
Drink Water
Coffee is great for a burst of energy while at work, but your body needs water. When crunching deadlines or writing reports, water may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s vital for your productivity.
Only about 20 percent of working Americans say they drink enough water. But how much is ‘enough?’ There isn’t a conclusive answer, but four-to-six cups a day is the general rule according to Harvard University.
Even if you aren’t thirsty, you should sip a cup of water. Don’t let dehydration stifle your incredibly important productivity.
Ditch Your Desk…But Not For Too Long
It’s quite common at FSIoffice to see our employees taking short breaks by walking around the campus and parking lot. However, if you are unable to walk around your workplace you should still step away from your computer screen and desk for a few minutes.
Tony Schwartz of the Energy Project found that if we concentrate intensely for about 90 minutes then decompress, we can actually feel and enjoy rejuvenation.
Taking a moment to refresh by stepping away for a moment is good for your mental health and allows you to momentarily decompress.
Learn Processes to Help Manage Stress
There are a myriad of reasons why work can be stressful: new management, overworking, and taking on more responsibility to name a few. The last thing you want is your physical health to feel these effects. Managing stress can seem impossible without systems of accountability in place.
It’s better to act than react; learn your own patterns and plan out action steps to attack future stress with.
For example, are you feeling stressed about an upcoming presentation? Take notes on how you felt and reacted when those stress indicators flared up so you’re better prepared next time. Your mind and emotions will thank you!
Last but Not Least, Stretch Regularly
Exercise and activity are great for your health but the U.S. workweek can make it difficult to establish a solid workout routine. Almost 80 percent of adults in the U.S. don’t achieve the daily recommended amount of physical activity, but boosting your endorphins is what you need when the days are long and you feel fatigued. Do what you can at work, and while it may sound funny, these exercises just might help you out.
Chair Dips: Three sets of 15 reps: For your triceps and cardiovascular system.
Arm stretch: Ten to 30 seconds: Lock your hands together above your head with your palms facing up. Then, push your arms up.
Shoulder Stretch: Ten to 30 seconds: Join your hands behind your back, then raise your chin and push your chest outwards.
Periodic stretching can reduce pain by 72 percent! Routine takes time, but you’re never too far out of taking steps to improve your health while at work. To view these, click here.
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