Maintaining your health while working a desk job doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can stay on top of your health while at the office or working remotely. Below are some easy tips to boost your well-being while working at your desk.
Take Frequent Breaks
Taking regular breaks throughout the day is essential for your health when working at a desk. Get up and move around every half hour or so to stretch your body and keep your blood flowing. Take a walk, go to the restroom, or just stand up and stretch for a few minutes. This will help you stay alert and focused throughout the day, as well as prevent muscle and joint pain. If you’re routinely working at a computer or desk all day, you run the risk of carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, and arthritis. In fact, in the US, one in 25 adults between 18 and 64 years old face work limitations due to arthritis. Taking regular breaks can help you keep your hands, elbows, and joints healthy and pain-free.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial for your health. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and other health issues. To make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day, consider keeping a water bottle at your desk. Take a sip of your water every time you take a sip of your coffee to make sure you’re hydrating while you’re caffeinating.
Set Up a Humidifier
You’d be surprised by how much your office’s humidity levels can impact your health. According to the EPA, indoor humidity levels should range between 30-50%. Lower humidity levels can make your skin dry and itchy, and it can even increase your risk of getting sick. Consider keeping a small humidifier in your office or on your desk to keep the air from being too dry.
Eat Healthy Snacks
Eating healthy snacks can help you maintain your health while working at a desk. Choose snacks that are high in nutrients, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods or sugary snacks that can lead to a crash in energy. Making sure you get enough protein and fiber throughout the day will also help keep you full and provide sustained energy.
Consider a Walking Pad
Approximately 27% of Americans rent their homes as of 2016. A walking pad is a great way to stay active at work without sacrificing space in your apartment (or making too much noise). You can either use a standing desk to work out during meetings or you can use it while on lunch breaks. This will help keep your circulation in great shape!
Take Care of Your Eyes
Staring at a computer screen all day can cause strain on your eyes and lead to long-term vision problems. To prevent this, make sure you are taking care of your eyes by wearing blue light-blocking glasses. Be sure to give yourself breaks from staring at the screen every half hour or so, too. Make the font size large enough for you to read comfortably and adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly.
By following these tips, you can maintain your health while working a desk job. While it might not seem like much, even just a few small changes can help improve your overall health and well-being. Taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, eating healthy snacks, using a walking pad, and taking care of your eyes are all important steps you can take to stay healthy at work.
