We spend most of our day at the workplace, so what we do during these long hours can have a big effect on our overall health and well being. There are many bad habits that we unconsciously do and that can damage our health in the long run. Not paying attention to our health can easily impair our productivity and satisfaction at work and in life generally.
Here are the top five bad office habits that employees usually make (including me) and how we can avoid them to promote a healthier work environment:
Sometimes we get loaded up with work that we end up sitting at our desks all day long, without even noticing. Prolonged sitting can lead to some serious health consequences on our bodies including back and muscle pain, digestive issues and weight gain, and even more chronic illnesses.
You should always stand up for a few minutes every hour or so. Set an hourly alarm to remind yourself to stand up, stretch, and maybe take a walk around the office.
In addition, you can start taking the stairs, or start going to restrooms that are farther away from your desk. The most important thing is that you add constant motion to your work day. It won’t only improve your overall health, but it will also improve your efficiency at work.
Attempting to finish your work while eating your lunch can be distracting and can lead to mindless eating, which often means overeating. Try to think of lunchtime as an opportunity to mingle with friends or co-workers and give your brain a break. If you truly have no time to go out and sit with your coworkers for lunch, you can propose a working lunch or a lunch meeting, so you can approach your to do list while you’re having lunch with more flexibility to move around and alternate talking.
Having healthy snacks improves your overall health, fights weight gain and cravings, boosts your brain power, and most importantly gives you the energy you need to get through the day. Unlike foods that are filled with sugar, preservatives, or other unwanted additives, opting for fresh and real food can be a guilt-free snacking habit.
So, drop the chips, soda and chocolate, and try instead to have some nuts and seeds, dates, fruits, yogurt and maybe some fresh veggies. Trust me, it will be very beneficial for your body, and you will also feel better and lighter throughout the working day.
Always remember to drink plenty of water to keep yourself focused and alert. Dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches or dizziness. If you forget to drink water, always keep a bottle by your desk, so every time you glance at the bottle and find it empty you can go and refill it. You can also try to add mint or cucumbers to your water to spice things up, if you don’t enjoy water on its own.
It’s no secret that there are many side effects for a bad posture such as back pain, neck pain, weak core, and more long-term serious complications. But the main factors affecting bad posture are actually within your control. While you’re sitting at your desk, try to sit up straight, roll your shoulders back and engage your abs, always try to keep your ears, shoulders and hips aligned in one vertical line.
It’s very important to stay aware of your posture at work or at home. Poor posture can easily become a second nature due to the habits and activities of everyday such as sitting in an office chair and leaning forward too much to stare at the computer screen.
For people who are having a hard time controlling their postures, you can try the Lumo Back technology. It’s a bandage that can be worn on your lower back with a sensor that provides a gentle vibration when you slouch, to remind you to sit and stand straight. Alternatively, you can ask your coworker to alert you whenever you are slouching or sitting in bizarre positions.
