5 Tips for a Healthy Work Environment
Working hard shouldn’t have to cost you your health. Here are some ways in which you can benefit by creating a healthy lifestyle while at work.
Whether you are working from home or from your usual office, it’s important to keep your health in mind. In a typical 9 to 5 work day, it’s easy to lose focus, to get stuck in a rut, or to struggle with becoming inspired. It’s also easy to forget to eat, to spend too many hours sitting down, and to become stressed out. Here are 5 ways to ensure that your work stays on track, while still benefiting your physical and mental health.
- Take a Mental Break
Whether you’re working on a new project or coming up with fresh ideas, taking a mental break every now and then can help you get those creative juices flowing. So what does taking a mental break mean? It means detaching yourself from your work for just a few moments, so that you can come back to it with a clear mind. Some ways to do this include looking up from your computer and letting your mind wander, reading a page or two from your favorite book, or listening to a song on Spotify. Even doing meditation at your desk can be beneficial. These simple mental exercises can relieve your stress and leave you feeling refreshed, allowing you to return to your work with a fresh perspective and a readiness to begin again.
- Stand Up Often
Sitting down all day is not only boring, but turns out it can actually be damaging to your physical health. According to the Mayo Clinic, sitting down for long periods of time is linked to many different health risks, including high blood sugar, obesity, increased blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Thankfully, there are plenty of things that can be done to offset these health risks. Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to work while you stand. If you don’t have a standing desk, don’t worry, there are other things you can do to help yourself each day. For instance, make a habit of taking the stairs instead of the elevator. If you have a gym in your work building or one in the area nearby, take a short exercise break during your lunch hour. This will not only boost your metabolism in the middle of the day, but will also relieve stress and invigorate your body and mind.
- Explore Your Surroundings
Working in the same spot day in and day out can make for a repetitive routine. Shake things up by exploring your work space and finding new areas to enjoy. If your work space contains some communal areas or other comfortable seating areas, then don’t be shy and utilize them. Mental ruts can happen when you’ve been stuck in one place for too long. Shake up your routine and find that new ideas and inspirations might be easier to come by. You’ll also find that standing up and walking around is good for your physical health, while simultaneously giving you a nice mental break. As time goes on, you may find that changing your routine here and there is exactly what you needed to stimulate your mind and become inspired.
- Mingle With Your Coworkers
Even those who choose to keep their work lives and their personal lives separate can reap the benefits of enjoying social interactions at work. If your work space has some communal areas, such as a common seating area, a kitchen, or a gym, these can be great opportunities to mingle and interact with others. As you walk to pour yourself a cup of coffee or take your lunch break, you can connect with others and even create lasting friendships. Social interactions such as these can benefit your health by improving your mood, renewing your energy, and giving you support and encouragement. When you’re lacking inspiration, you might find that someone sitting down the hall from you has some good tips or ideas. All you need to do is ask.
- Eat Snacks and Stay Hydrated
If you’ve ever noticed your energy levels reach a low point about halfway through your work day, it might be because you aren’t eating or drinking enough. One of the best ways to keep your energy levels high throughout the day is to load up on healthy snacks and beverages. If you’re dehydrated or you aren’t eating enough, you may feel tired, weak, and even cranky. If your workplace provides beverages, such as coffee, tea, and water, you can be sure to stay both hydrated and energized as they day goes on. It is also a great idea to plan in advance by bringing healthy snacks with you to store in your shared kitchen or to keep near your desk. These snacks can boost your energy and keep you feeling good all day long.
Nowadays, it’s easy to find small ways to guarantee that you feel healthy while at work. Whether it’s by taking small mental breaks, replenishing with snacks and beverages, connecting with others, or standing up from your stationary desk and exploring your surroundings, you may just find that the smallest changes can make the biggest differences.