Creating a healthy lifestyle can be challenging in the best of circumstances. And it can be even more difficult for those who are employed and sit at a desk for hours a day. Not only do they have less time to focus on their health, the built-up workplace stress can severely affect their mental wellbeing as well. Good health is crucial for better living and you must make sure that you are doing everything you can to stay healthy. The good news is, fitting a healthy lifestyle around your job is not that difficult. All you need is a firm determination and the right know-how. Following are some tips that will help you.
Eat Sensibly
It can be tempting to take advantage of the free snacks available at your workplace. But you should exercise some self-control and consume such food in moderation. It is healthy to eat sensibly and opt for nutritious snacks whenever you get the munchies. Apart from this, it is important to pay attention to what you eat for your lunch. The best practice is to prepare your meals ahead of time at home and bring them into your workplace.
Drink Plenty of Water
Always make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout your day at the office. Ignoring this can cause difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headaches, fatigues, and more. You need to drink about 6-8 glasses of water a day to stay well-hydrated and active. To make sure you are drinking enough, bring a water container marked with 8 cups and try to drink it all by the end of the day.
Restrict Your Caffeine Intake
A lot of people drink coffee when they feel sluggish at work or have difficulty focusing. It is important to note that caffeine is only beneficial if you consume it in moderation. If you consume it excessively, it may cause various problems, e.g. increased heartbeat, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, etc. So, restrict your caffeine intake to safely reap its benefits.
Take Frequent Breaks
Working at your desk throughout the day can take a toll on your body. That’s why it is important to take frequent breaks as it prevents you from feeling physically and mentally drained after work. Step outside for a breath of fresh air or simply take a quick walk to the water cooler. When you incorporate short, frequent breaks into your day, you will experience a sense of increased productivity and rejuvenation.
Keep Your Workstation Clean
Your workstation and work environment can directly affect your emotional and mental health. An unclean, unorganized workstation can cause a lack of motivation, focus, and concentration at work. On the other hand, an organized and clean workstation can increase performance and productivity. So, keep your workstation clean, accessible, and organized to ensure optimal productivity.
Learn to Manage the Stress
Keep track of what situations are stressful for you at work. Don’t hesitate to ask your colleagues for help. Furthermore, make sure to keep your personal and work lives separate. Establishing boundaries between these two will help you be more productive at work and have enough time to recharge every evening. Doing the things that you enjoy is an excellent way to manage stress. This may include spending time with friends and family, reading books, watching movies, going to the spa or gym, and more.
Fitting a healthy lifestyle around your job can be challenging, but it is not impossible to achieve. By following the above-listed guidelines, you can improve your mental and physical health as well as your overall performance and productivity.
Photos by: Avel Chuklanov, Nielsen Ramon, cats coming, Engin Akyurt, Andrea Piacquadio, pixabay, Elisa Ventur