When you are spending at least eight hours or more in the workplace, it can be all-too-easy to find yourself getting caught up in the chaos of hitting targets and keeping on top of statistics and forget to take care of your health. With a few things in mind and implementing these in your daily routine, you can help prevent the development of illnesses that can prove detrimental to your physical and mental health and help increase productivity in the workplace.
Improve your posture
The majority of employees spend their entire working day in front of their desks and staring at a computer screen. In this case, good posture is essential. Not only will slouching strain your muscles and put a strain on your spine, but repetitive cases of this can lead to back and neck pain and the development of repetitive strain injury or RSI. If in any case you feel that the development of workplace injury such as RSI or sustaining an injury is due to the nature of the job or is a result of the employer’s neglect, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim. If so, speak to The Compensation Experts to discuss how best to approach this issue. You may even help prevent this sort of situation from happening in the future.
However, to make a difference yourself, make sure you sit up straight, which can also help increase your confidence and reduce stress levels. Adjust your seat according to the height of your computer screen so that your feet are flat on the floor and your wrists straight, while your hands are at or below elbow level.
Take frequent breaks
Sitting at your desk all day every day is not only bad for your back and neck but can also increase the risk of diabetes, obesity and metabolic diseases. Make sure you take frequent breaks away from the desks to prevent eye strain but also to give yourself that bit of exercise in your day to day routine.
Doing so can stimulate blood flow, reduce stress and relax your muscles. Alternatively, begin to walk to work instead. If you do need to drive, ensure you park a good distance away and walk the rest. Furthermore, use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Whether this is simply to stand up to make coffee or walking outside for lunch, increasing movement in your daily routine will prove essential to your physical and mental health in the long run and can increase productivity once you return to work.
Eat right and drink right
It can be easy to opt for the quick and easy lunch by buying from the nearest café, but this can easily lead to overeating (and overspending). You can counter this by packing your own lunch and snacks. Not only will this save you money in the long-term but can also prevent over-eating at lunch and dinner. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day, which is crucial not only for your physical but also mental wellbeing.
Take a vacation
Vacation time is important in not only keeping your productivity levels high, but it also helps with your physical and mental health. Linked to a decrease in heart disease, taking time away from work to spend time with family and friends has been shown to contribute to positive emotions and helps improve relationships among family members.
A vacation can also help re-organize your thoughts, plus traveling can help inspire you further. This way, once you return to work, you can feel refreshed and motivated to tackle whatever challenges might come your way.
Incorporating healthy habits into your day to day life is not only essential to do your job well, but to also keep yourself happy and healthy. Even small changes in your routine can culminate and help build a healthier and productive lifestyle in the long run.