Sitting for hours and hours in a chair in front of a computer can have negative consequences for your health. Continuous sitting affects your posture, mental health, stress levels and can also increase risks of heart disease and various musculoskeletal conditions. With the increasing awareness of such issues, many companies are prioritizing health and wellness in the workplace.
Here are some tips to improve your health and personal wellbeing at work.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. You can also choose fruits such as watermelon, oranges, grapefruit and grapes that are good sources of water and can help keep you healthy and hydrated.
- Choose Healthy Food and Snacks – Unhealthy food can add calories to your daily diet. Instead of junk food, chips, sugary candies and cakes, choose nuts, cherries or grapes to suppress your hunger. Make sure to pay attention to what you eat for your main meals. Include salads and fruits in your breakfast and lunch.
- Maintain Good Posture – Avoid common posture mistakes while sitting or standing. To improve posture at your desk, sit up straight and keep your hips far back in the chair. Ensure that the keyboard is close and directly in front of you and sit at least 20 inches away from the computer screen. Doing desk exercises can also improve your posture. Use a supportive chair that is adjustable.
- Take Frequent Breaks – Never sit for hours at a stretch. Do hourly stretches and take frequent breaks. This will also improve your creativity and productivity. Taking short walks after your meal can boost your energy levels.
- Keep your Workstation Clean – Keep your desk in order. Use a disinfectant to clean your keyboard, mouse, and phone. Make sure you have sanitizing wipes handy.
- Find Ways to Manage Stress – Stress can leave you exhausted and affect your mental health as well. Find opportunities to relax your mind and do enjoyable things such as taking your pet for a walk, spending time with your family or friends, watching movies, reading, and so on.
Following these tips can promote a healthy routine and improve your mental and physical wellbeing at work.
