At work or at home, maintaining good health can be challenging but essential.
If you are sneezing, coughing or feeling queasy when arriving at work, do not come. Your coworkers won’t thank you and it may make them sick too.
1. Keep hydrated
Work can be stressful and overwhelming, but that doesn’t have to be the case for you. By eating nutritious snacks and staying hydrated throughout your workday, you can stay focused and productive for as long as possible.
Keep a water bottle within reach at all times to remind yourself to drink water, and try to limit consumption of foods that can increase thirst such as coffee and salty snacks in order to lower the risk of dehydration.
As part of your efforts to avoid spreading germs, make sure that you regularly wash your hands to limit the spread of infection. Be sure to wash after coughing, sneezing, using the bathroom, touching your face or using shared equipment – this may also help protect you against illnesses like the common cold and flu! Additionally, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer may provide extra protection.
2. Eat a healthy diet
Studies from 2012 indicate that unhealthy diets and lack of exercise can have an adverse effect on employee productivity. A healthy diet includes a balance of carbohydrates and proteins with minimal saturated fat and plenty of fiber content.
Avoid eating too much sugar as this can lead to sudden energy crashes and lead to inability to concentrate. Instead, snack on healthier options like fruit, nuts or yogurt as a source of sustenance.
Try packing a nutritious lunch instead of relying on the local cafe or vending machines for lunch. Doing this allows for mindful food choices that lead to higher productivity while saving money by packing your own. Be mindful when it comes to portions, as eating too much could leave you feeling fatigued.
3. Get some exercise
Eight hours spent sitting at your desk can have long-term repercussions for your health, from eye strain to back issues and increased risk of obesity. Furthermore, coworker snacks could add unwanted calories into your diet.
Gain more exercise by walking during breaks and taking the stairs whenever possible. If your office provides access to a gym, use it during lunch for a workout session.
If a coworker is coughing or sneezing frequently, consider working from home in order to limit spreading germs. Furthermore, make sure your keyboard and mouse are cleaned frequently with antibacterial wipes in order to minimise germ spread – and always carry hand sanitizer with alcohol-based solutions throughout your day!
4. Take breaks
Work doesn’t have to leave you exhausted both physically and mentally. By making some small adjustments, you can begin enjoying a healthier and happier working lifestyle.
Take regular breaks to reduce fatigue, improve concentration and avoid eye strain. But the type of break you choose is just as essential – deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation may be sufficient to relax the mind and boost productivity, while simple stretching and mobilization exercises are a great way to relieve stiffness from sitting too long.
Be sure to drink water, tune into your body and consume nutritious food. Also try getting active outside of work – join a sports team, take the children for a walk or go for a run during lunch time!
5. Manage your stress
Work-related stress can cause many health complications, from minor issues such as headaches and reduced energy to more serious ailments like heart disease or immune deficiency. But there are ways you can manage stress at work and protect your health against its harmful effects.
Start by identifying your triggers. One method of doing this is keeping a diary that documents people, places and things that cause you stress in the workplace – this will enable you to identify patterns and create ways of reducing your stressors.
Make time for regular stretching breaks throughout the workday to maintain body limberness and prevent joint and muscle stiffness, fatigue and back pain which may arise due to extended sitting times. Stretch breaks may help relieve this discomfort and keep your body at ease while working!