How to Stay Healthy at Work

Staying healthy is essential, but it can be a challenge at work. Here are some ways you can stay on-track with your health and fitness goals while on the job.

Diet

One of the first ways you can stay healthy at the workplace is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. This may mean bringing your own food rather than relying on vending machine or cafeteria offerings.

Another important tip is to drink plenty of water. Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, and refilling your bottle will give you a good reason to stand up and walk away from the desk for a moment. It is important to limit your caffeine, which can dehydrate you and cause other health issues.

Instead of having regular coffee, try decaff, and cut back on your consumption altogether. You can also skip the sweetener and cream to help reduce your sugar intake. If you are allowed to keep food at your desk it can be a good idea to store a healthy treat or two so when doughnut day comes or someone has birthday cake in the break room you have the willpower to say “no thank you” knowing you have your own healthy alternative back at your desk just waiting to be enjoyed.

Exercise

Along with eating well, exercise is paramount to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Practice good posture at your desk or workstation and do stretches on your break. It is a good idea to get up and walk around every 20 minutes or sooner if you primarily sit at your job. This gives your eyes and spine a break and refreshes your whole body. Be sure to use proper lifting techniques if you are required to move heavy objects.

There are many ways you can get some much needed activity, even if your job is sedentary. Taking a walk on your lunch break, parking farther away from the entrance, biking to work, or attending a fitness class after work are all examples of how you can make movement a priority.  

Care

You should also display proper care and prevention when it comes to your health. This could include sanitizing your workstation or hands, avoiding hazardous chemicals, or participating in a corporate health program. If you have any qualms about the health or safety of your job or your working conditions you should speak to your HR director or manager and see if you can find a solution.

Whether you keep hand sanitizer at your desk, switch to decaff, pack your own lunches, or enroll in a corporate health program, there are lots of smart swaps and healthy choices you can start making today to feel better at work and in life.