Anyone who works in an office knows that sitting 8 hours a day in front of the computer does not promote much good to health. Business Optimizer shows how you can stay healthy – even at your desk.
#1. Manage Stress
Stress probably has the biggest impact on health than any other deskwork factor.
But the good news is, there are tonnes of ways to tackle stress: give yourself manageable goals, reward yourself when you tick something off your “to do” list, have regular breaks, and practice relaxation techniques (including some of the techniques below).
And, of course, make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
#2. Go outside for a few minutes
Desk life needn’t be so sedentary. You know those smokers? How they sneak off outside every hour or so for a cigarette or a vape?
Take a leaf from their book. No, we’re not suggesting you take up the habit, but go outside and stretch your legs when you need to. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel after 5 minutes in the fresh air.
#3. Move it
Swap the elevator for the stairs. Schedule time between meetings so you can walk to them (if possible). Give yourself time for a stroll
Desk life needn’t be so sedentary. You know those smokers? How they sneak off outside every hour or so for a cigarette or a vape? Take a leaf from their book. No, we’re not suggesting you take up the habit, but go outside and stretch your legs when you need to.
You’ll be surprised how much better you feel after 5 minutes in the fresh air.
#4. Eat healthy snacks, drink water and ditch the sugar
Keep your desk drawer stocked with a small box of nuts or dried fruit, some kale chips, or a fresh daily supply of crudités. That way, if you need a snack to get you through that mid-afternoon dip, you’re not relying on caffeine and sugar to get you through.
But hey – you packed healthy lunch, right? So that mid-afternoon dip is a thing of the past anyway!
#5. Bring your own lunch and eat away from your desk
Pack your own lunch if you can; that way you can stuff it full of healthy goodies to get you through the day. And don’t sit hunched over your desk to eat; you can spare ten minutes to find somewhere else to eat, can’t you? If you have green space outside your office, that’s the place to head for maximum benefit.
#6. Maintain a good posture
Sitting hunched in front of the computer all day takes its toll on your body. Giving it a break when you can helps, but posture is all important.
Make sure your desk and your chair are at the right height for you, and use a keyboard rest if you need to. Sit up straight, preferably with your legs uncrossed, and change your position every now and then.
#7. Unplug from the office
Mindfulness or meditation is a low impact way to get some escape into your day in a stress-busting, needs-no-fancy-equipment way.
If you’re lucky enough to work near a gym or yoga studio, how about booking a class in your lunch hour? If not, take your running gear and try a lunchtime run – you could even start an office workout tradition.
If you find it difficult to get away in the middle of the day, making your way home under your own steam – whether on foot or bike – is the best way to brush off the stresses and strains of the day before you arrive home. And, when you do get home, switch your work phone and emails off.
We spend so much time in front of our desks these days, that finding small ways to change our behaviour to promote well-being is really important.
Change doesn’t have to be big to make a difference. Try integrating one small change at a time. Once that has become your “new normal” build on it by making another small change towards well-being.
eo.
