There are currently over 10 million people who work in offices across the UK.
This makes up around 1/3 of the total number in employment however health and safety for office workers can often be an overlooked subject. Surely sitting at your desk and attending a few meetings everyday won’t put you at a health and safety risk?
While you might not be undertaking any dangerous work in the traditional sense looking after your wellbeing is important even in an office environment.
We have 3 ways in which you can stay healthy when sitting at your desk all day.
Ditch The Junk Food
We have all been in a position where we snack on chocolate and sweets at our desks.
Sometimes you just need that 3pm sugar rush to take you through to the end of the day however starting a healthier diet at work will not only keep your energy levels high but also boost your overall wellbeing too.
Drinking water to stay hydrated is a must as this also reduces the craving for more calories. Replace sugar with protein and this will also improve your focus and ensure that you don’t have that dreaded mid-afternoon slump.
Make Use Of Your Lunch Breaks
How long do you get for your lunch? 30 minutes? 1 hour?
Instead of eating something quickly at your desk and then browsing Facebook for as long as you can get away with it why not make full use of your break? By law, if you work over 6 hours per day, then you are entitled to at least a 20-minute break. Most employers give you between half an hour to an hour for lunch.
Rather than sitting at your desk or sitting in the kitchen get up and go for a walk or at least go outside for a while. Fresh air and a change of scenery can not only clear your mind but it can have great physical benefits to your health as well.
Use The Office To Your Advantage
How often do you simply send an email to someone on the next floor instead of going to see them? Or what about going from sitting at your desk to sitting in a team meeting?
Working in an office gives you plenty of opportunity for small bouts of exercise. Go and see the person you need to speak to instead of emailing – the walk is a good way to get some physical activity in work. Why not consider standing up in a team meeting as well to keep the blood flowing?
Small actions like this can really make the difference to your overall health especially in an office environment.
Staying Healthy While Working In An Office
While office workers don’t have lots of opportunities to stay active during working hours a few changes to your routine can have a big impact on your wellbeing.
Taking small steps to improve your posture as well can be very beneficial when sitting at your desk all day.
Even though you can always go to the gym after work a few changes to the way in which you work and your diet in the office will keep you active, safe, healthy and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
