Did you know that your IE browser is outdated?
Here are some go-to tips to keep your body happy and healthy while you are at work.
1. Keep it Moving
It has been well proven that exercise makes the mind sharp and productive, improving memory and thinking skills. It also gets the blood pumping and the oxygen flowing, releasing happy hormones known as endorphins.
In addition to strengthening your mind and your mood, it strengthens the immune system as well. Just 20 minutes of physical activity can produce anti-inflammatory effects. Physical exertion has also been linked to increases in antibodies and disease-fighting white blood cells.
So, use some of your lunchtime to boost your immune system with a brisk walk, jumping jacks or any other movement that gets your heart racing.
2. Eat Light, Right and Be Merry
A well-fed brain and body is a working brain and body, especially when fed the right food.
To start, make breakfast a priority in the morning; skipping it will not save you time in the long run. You’ll be cranky and tired, lacking the motivation to keep up with work. Instead, enjoy something filling to kick-start your day, such as fruit-loaded yogurt or a bowl of oatmeal. Keep lunches and dinners on schedule, and limit yourself to lean proteins and vegetables when possible. Fruits and nuts make great in-between snacks.
3. Keep Quenched
You’ve heard it a million times before: Drink water and lots of it. Staying hydrated is key to keeping your body functioning at optimal levels. Dehydration can make you sluggish and drowsy. Keep a large bottle of water with you at all times and refill it periodically throughout the day.
4. Kick Caffeine Consumption Down a Notch
Coffee can often be a “go-to” drink for individuals to have before or during the workday. Well, the unfortunate news is that all that caffeine can make you crash later on.
Try to limit yourself to one cup a day to avoid falling asleep later on the job. Also, keep milk, sugar, and creamers to a minimum if you’re counting your calories.
Everything in moderation, my friend.
5. Clean Your Work Space
It has been shown that the average computer desk has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Let that sink in the next time Sally-Sneeze-A-Lot pops over to answer your phone, borrow your pen or grab your mouse to “show you something really quick.”
Right about now, you’re probably asking yourself how that amount of filth is even possible. Well, it’s simple. As previously stated, you likely spend at least eight hours at work. Think about all the surfaces you’re touching in that timeframe (e.g., door handles, files, etc.). And, if you work through lunch, all of those food particles have to go somewhere. Somewhere means your desk or work space.
Thankfully, reducing that horrifying number is relatively easy: Dedicate five minutes at the end of the day to organize your space and wipe it down with a cleaning wipe to keep germs at bay. Also, it may not be a bad idea to keep hand sanitizer nearby (because you probably forgot about shaking hands with clients).
6. Take a Break
Of course, you want to get everything done on time and go home, but not taking a break may actually hinder the process more than help it. Staring at the same screen without moving for hours is creatively stunting (not to mention all the muscle cramping).
Walk away from your workspace for at least a few minutes every couple of hours to reestablish blood flow and reboot your productivity.
By following these six simple steps, you can maintain a healthy work environment as you co-exist with Mr. Sniffles and Sally-Sneeze-A-Lot.