Working from 9 to 5 at a desk can really take a toll on your health. Our bodies are designed to be active, which is why after a long day of sitting at your desk; you may find that you feel exhausted. By the time you arrive home and eat your dinner, the only thing you want to do is relax. If you sit at a desk all day for five days out of the week, it can lead to boredom, back problems, weight gain, and an overall unhealthy lifestyle. My team at Be Inspired PR is encouraged to understand the effects so they are able to be healthier and happier. Here are four strategies that can be used to actively overcome the consequences of working at a desk all day.
1. Turn Every Task into a Reason to Move
You may not believe it but, simple tasks such as refilling your water glass or walking to your co-worker´s desk, can work against the side-effect from sitting all day, but they can. Every single movement counts, so make it a habit to find any reason you can to move your body. Technically it is fasted to send an instant message or email to your co-worker asking a simple question. However are you really saving that much time? When you take the benefits that it can have on your body into consideration, it is really worth making the trip. If lunch must be picked up or an errand must be run, volunteer to do it. All the difference can be made with a few extra steps.
We at Be Inspired PR have gone as far as far as creating a friendly competition in which we use our Fitbits to count our steps for extra motivation. With the whole office involved, having the support makes commitment to staying active much easier. All of us make it a priority to move, so if it is suggested that instead of going to the conference room, we have a “walking meeting”, everyone get excited.
A lot of insurers for self employed will provide lower priced health insurance if you can show that you do a number of different things. Big data and activity trackers are increasingly used to show that people are getting as much exercise as is necessary and also if they are making the right choices. It’s likely this is the way forward.
2. Pack Your Own Snacks and Lunch
In spite of our walking meetings and Fitbit competitions, the team at Be Inspired PR is not always perfect when it comes to eating right. Sometimes when you are surrounded by ice cream shops and bakeries, resisting the urge to treat the team to a box of doughnuts can be difficult. This is why I highly recommend that you pack your own snacks and lunch every day or your work week, or at least most days. Offices are packed with snacks and junk food which easily can ruin a healthy diet. By packing your own food, you will not be so inclined to start snacking on that doughnut when you feel a bit hungry. I of course completely support office treats every once in a while, however regularly snacking on trail mix, fruits, or carrots and humus will increase your energy.
3. Take Full Advantage of Your Lunch Break
Even if you did pack your own lunch, that doesn’t mean that you have to eat it in the office. When your next lunch break comes up, take your lunch, find a nice spot and enjoy it. Once you are done eating, if you find you have some extra time, keep walking. Not only is this great for your body, it is also great for your mind. All around us there are exercise studios offering 30-minute workout classes, this is ideal people on their lunch break. If you do have work out studios near you, book a class. As an office we have taken a couple of classes, it is always loads of fun.
4. Drink Water All Day
One of the best things that you can do to keep your body healthy is to stay hydrated. By purchasing a reusable water bottle that you are have to take with you to work every day, You will encourage yourself to drink more water. My recommendation is that you purchase one with measurements so you are able to track the amount of water you drink during the day. If you realize that the amount of water you are drinking is not enough, use your creativity and infuse your water with fruit so it will taste of something that you love. I love filling the first water bottle of the day with lemon water not only for its flavor, but also for the many amazing health benefits it provides. By adding a bit of flavor, I am also encouraged to drink more during the day. In addition, modern water coolers for the office provide cold, highly filtered water. This creates a more refreshing experience and ups the motivation to drink more water.
By incorporating these four tips into your daily work life, you will begin to see your health improve. Also make sure to take full advantage of your evenings and weekends, use them to remain active. Plan activities that you find enjoyable such as biking, hiking, and even going out on a walk with your family. Once you start living a healthier lifestyle, and remaining active, in no time it will become a habit.
