If you work in an office or corporate setting, maintaining good health can be difficult. You spend most of your time sedentary, sitting in front of a computer. People bring in doughnuts, birthday cakes and other foods that are not good for your health – or your waistline. Add to that the hectic schedules and stress that so many people face, and it’s no wonder that obesity, fatigue and anxiety are such common problems. Here are four hacks to stay healthy at work:
1. Eat Healthy foods
As tempting as the doughnuts are and as convenient as the break room vending machine is, resist those temptations. One of the keys to eating healthy at work is meal prepping. By cooking healthy meals that you like in advance and packing your snacks and meals, you know you will be eating healthy, nutritious foods that you enjoy. While eating healthy, be sure to drink healthy. It might be tempting to grab a soda or to sweeten your coffee, but those are choices that can hurt your health and expand your waistline. Try to drink eight glasses of water per day.
2. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical exercise strengthens bones and muscles, boosts your immune system, reduces stress and keeps you physically and mentally fit. It also reduces stress and keeps a person feeling young. You don’t have to join a gym to exercise. Park in the back of the parking lot and get a few extra steps on your way to your desk or office. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. There are also exercises you can do at your desk.
3. Manage Stress
Stress not only affects your mental health, leading to anxiety and depression, but it also can cause physical and mental burnout, reducing your motivation to work. It can lead to weight gain or weight loss, high blood pressure, headaches and other physical illnesses. In addition, stress hinders decision-making and the ability to enjoy life. By managing stress, you can prevent the negative effects. To reduce your stress level try meditation, yoga, reading a book, listening to music and exercising.
4. Watch Your Posture
Employees who sit at a desk all day in front of computer screens are at risk for a multitude of issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches and neck and back pain. Maintaining good posture is essential for people who sit in front of computers all day. First, make sure your back is correctly supported while sitting. Also, sit in an upright position at all times to avoid leaning forward. Keep your wrists straight when typing and look straight ahead at screens.