Healthy Habits in the Workplace

On average, people spend roughly 50% of their total waking hours in the workplace during any given working day.  Creating a good routine whilst at work can have a huge impact on health and wellbeing.  Just a few small changes to a daily routine can result in great health outcomes over time.

Here are some top tips for improving your health whilst at work:-

Share your Goals- If you’re planning on making any specific changes, share those plans with a colleague or friend.  This will increase your likelihood of sustaining changes and achieving your target, and it will also enable your co-workers to support you to do this.

Hydrate- Try to keep a water bottle at your desk and aim to finish it at least once before the end of the day.  If you find you are in and out of meetings, make a habit of always having something to drink at every meeting.  Ideally, try to get most of your hydration via water intake.

Smart Snacks- Often, snacking can be caused by habits or boredom rather than real hunger.  Try preparing some healthy snacks to help to avoid that mid-afternoon sugar-fix.  Look for low calorie, high fibre options; for example, popcorn, rice cakes, dried or fresh fruit and vegetables.

Break up your Day-Working through lunch breaks and eating at your desk can be a challenging habit to break.  Getting outside and including some form of physical activity is the best solution, but even just taking yourself away from your desk has its benefits.  When you return it can help you to feel refreshed and take a more positive approach to tasks.

Coping with Stress-We can encounter all types of different sources of stress at work.  Explore different coping mechanisms that work for you and practice them!  Be open and honest about workloads and tasks and always seek support if it ever feels like you are unable to cope.  Consider the importance of life outside of the workplace.

Looking after yourself whilst at work will allow you to do the things you enjoy most!