A healthy diet and keeping hydrated have already been discussed, so here are five more practical ways in which you can improve your health and wellbeing in the office environment.
1) Don’t sit at your computer for too long.
The guidance from the Health and Safety Executive is to take a 5-10 minute break every hour. You can use this time productively by doing some simple stretching exercises. This is possible even within the confines of the modern office.
2) Try standing rather than sitting for at least two hours of your working day.
This may be achieved by requesting a standing desk, or just by walking around to make phone calls and to talk to colleagues. Find reasons to seek out colleagues in offices in other parts of the building.
3) Vary your means of travelling to work, if at all possible.
If you are lucky enough to be able to walk or cycle to work, then make the most of that. Some employers run cycle incentive schemes, with tax benefits. If you work in a city, you may be able to borrow a bike. If you do have to drive or use public transport, park further away from the office when practical, or get off the bus or the underground one stop further away from your workplace, so that you can incorporate a walk into your daily routine.
4) An exercise routine which is achievable is something to aim for.
You may have access to a workplace or town centre gym or swimming pool. Maybe you could simply take a walk in the park or round the block at lunch-time. If it is not practical to work an exercise routine into your working day, then make a regular booking at the local gym out of work time. If you enrol at a gym and pay a membership, it may give you the incentive to stick at it.
5) Finally, make sure that you get enough sleep, so that you feel refreshed and ready for work.
This is particularly important if you have a long commute to and from your workplace. Think positively and keep smiling. Greeting your colleagues and customers with a cheery attitude can have enormously beneficial effects for both you and those around you.
