Easy Tips for Staying Healthy at the Office
Cold and flu season is officially upon on and staying healthy and out of bed may seem like a daunting task, especially when many of your co-workers have the sniffles. The good news is that there are lots of little ways to keep your immune system firing on all cylinders and to keep germs at bay. Here are just a few ways to stay healthy at the office this winter.
Keep your cubicle clean
Every surface in your office has the potential to make you sick. Keyboards, telephones and desks can be a hot bed for germs, viruses and bacteria. Be sure to wipe down all surfaces that you come into contact with on a regular basis, including cell phones, with a disinfecting solution or disinfecting cloths.
Wash your hands often
This one may seem obvious but it can’t be overstated how important it is to keep hands clean. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer at your desk if it’s a hike to the nearest sink and use before eating, drinking or after coming into contact with others who may be carrying germs.
Drink lots of water
Water is a key factor in maintain good health. Your body needs to stay hydrated in order to perform at its best both physically and mentally. Try to keep a bottle of water at your desk at all times to make sure you are getting your 8 glasses a day.
Eat Healthy
It can be hard to resist the temptation of the plates of cookies and donuts sitting in the break room but those empty calories can really take a toll on your weight and your health. To stave off temptation stock your office with healthy snacks like fruit, nuts and granola bars. You will get lots of good nutrients and they will help keep blood sugar levels on an even keel so that you won’t find yourself craving sweets come 3 o’clock.
Get up and move
Being sedentary all day can wreak havoc on your health. To keep yourself limber and energized all day be sure to get up out of your chair every thirty minutes or so. Stretching, doing some squats, climbing stairs or going for short walks will help keep you focused on the task at hand and will not only keep you healthier but keep you working more efficiently.
Get plenty of sleep
Sleep plays a huge role in how well your immune system is functioning and if you don’t get enough of it you will become vulnerable to any bug or illness floating about your office. A good night’s sleep is also vital to concentration, memory and appetite control. Too little sleep and the vending machine junk food becomes nearly impossible to resist. Be sure to get at least 7 hours a night to keep yourself at peak performance.
Invest in a good chair
If you have to remain seated for up to 8 hours a day then it might be worth investing in a good office chair. Bad posture and poor equipment can lead to serious back problems and other physical ailments so be sure to remain aware of how your sitting and look for a chair that will offer you proper back support.
Joanne Hembree is a corporate health expert, helping businesses large and small to keep their workforce healthy with Fruitful Office Fruit.
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