Many adults today spend around 8 hours or more each day at an office job. Come to think of it, we spend about half of our waking hours at the office. That is why it's so important to maintain good workplace health practices. Here are six simple ways to help improve your workplace wellness.
Although you may not have control over where you have to work or where your office is located, you can somewhat improvise your workspace. Got an uncomfortable chair? Bring a cushion or pillow that helps you maintain good posture. If you're able to, switch up your chair to a better one. If you can, add a standing desk so you can switch from sitting to standing intermittently. Make sure your keyboard, mouse, computer screen are all positioned perfectly according to your height. Long-term poor posture can be detrimental to your neck, shoulders, & back, so you want to correct it from the start.
Believe it or not, adding some easy to grow indoor plants can really spark joy! Not only does it add some decor to your workspace, but it is also a great natural air purifier! Plants can help contribute in removing toxins from the air that you're breathing in on a daily basis. In addition, studies have shown that exposure to greenery from plants can help reduce fatigue, boost productivity, and make you feel happier! So hop on over to the nursery & buy some plants already!
It can be quite difficult to force yourself to get up from your desk, especially if you have a deadline, you are super busy, or if you're in the zone. However, for the sake of your health, you should try to get up from your desk at least every half hour. One good way to help remind you to get up is to set alarms on your phone every 30 minutes. It can be as simple as standing up from your seat for a few seconds or taking a quick walk around your office. In addition to getting up, getting eye strain from computer overuse is a serious issue. It can cause symptoms such as dry eyes, blurry vision, & even headaches. Follow the 20/20/20 rule by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Try dressing up for the job you wish you had. Although workplace fashion may seem very superficial, it can do a lot for your mental wellness. How you feel you look can greatly affect your confidence levels and how you feel about yourself in the workplace. Wear something that makes you look and feel good. Dressing for the part, even if you're working remotely from home, can help you feel more professional, work more productively, & more importantly boost your confidence. So even if your workplace doesn't call for any dress code, dress it up!
For most people, the easiest thing to do is just grab some fast food or head to the cafeteria for lunch, which may not be the healthiest choice. If you can, try to meal prep and pack your own lunch. In this way, your health is in your own hands. Plan on the weekend so that you don't have to waste time during the week nights debating what to make for lunch the next day. What you eat during lunch for a week or two might not make a huge difference. However, imagine eating poorly for a year or more! So start eating a healthier lunch now for the sake of your future health!
Being stuck in an office all day is no good for your mental & physical wellbeing. Not only does going outside for a walk feel nice, but it can also help boost your energy levels & creativity, especially in the afternoon when food coma hits most of us. Going out for a walk can also help you get the vitamin D you need. If your workplace does not allow you the convenience or time to take a walk outdoors, going for a walk even around your office during your lunch break is better than nothing. Try to allot a portion of your break to walk & talk with one of your colleagues. Or, if possible, you can try taking a walk while you are on a phone call.
We sincerely hope that these workplace wellness tips can help boost your overall health!
