Technology is great! Innovation is great! Flexibility is great! Unfortunately, since more and more jobs have moved away from needing to be physical, people are living more sedentary lifestyles. This is not good for the body. But if I have to be at my computer all day, what can I do to be healthy at work? Here are some easy, inexpensive, and practical ideas to stay healthy while working.
Take Walk/Stretch Breaks
People are not meant to sit for hours with no movement. It causes stiff joints and increases fat. It is also bad for your eyes to look at nothing but a computer screen for long periods of time. So schedule times in your workday where you can get up for 10-15 minutes and walk or stretch. There are many helpful websites that have stretches designed to help your lower back and legs. Walking and stretching also get your blood pumping and improve both circulation and digestion. If you are stuck on something or just in a funk, taking a walk for stretching can change your day!
Take Care of your Eye
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends following the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds; 20 minutes/20 feet/20 seconds. Other ways to protect your eyes at work to keep them healthy include: a) Blink more often, b) To refresh your eyes use artificial tears to keep them moist, c) Consider getting computer glasses that are tinted to lessen the strain on the eyes while looking at a computer screen for extended periods of time. d) Adjust the brightness and contrast to be closer to the level of light around you. e) reduce the glare using a matte screen filter. f) Adjust your position at the computer so you are sitting about 25 inches (about an arm’s length) from the screen.
Alternate Standing and Sitting
Again, human beings are not meant to just sit for hours. Simply standing will improve circulation and digestion as well as burn fat. There are great desks designed to allow you to work while standing or sitting, but if you don’t have the money for one of those, by using things you have around your house, get creative on how you can elevate your workstation and alternate sitting and standing.
Watch Your Snacks
Working burns energy so it is natural to snack while working. However, what and how much you eat is so important. You need to eat things that are high in protein and low in sugar and gluten. Sugar will give you an immediate boost, but later will give you a horrible crash. Gluten is a filler designed to fill your stomach. A lot of people who experience a 2 or 3 o’clock slump do so because they have had gluten for lunch and their body is processing whatever they ate and the gluten has expanded in their stomach.
Have Accountability
It is very easy to break a promise to yourself. Some changes are more difficult than others but making the journey with someone helps ensure you are on the right path and that someone else is cheering for you by walking your journey with you. The person you ask to help hold you accountable is almost as important as the changes themselves. If you pick someone who is not motivated, then you will not accomplish your goals. Choose someone who cares about not only your health but their own and will commit to helping each other succeed in this journey.
Hopefully, you have found these tips helpful and will make steps to be healthier while working. If you need help with these tips and/or any part of your business so you can take the time to be healthier, call 317-288-5748, visit our website https://www.vaonthespot.com, or schedule a meet and greet today https://calendly.com/vaonthespot/one-on-one-getting-to-know-you!