5 Tips for Maintaining Health at Work
By Brandi Goodman
On May 15th of each year, Employee Health and Fitness Day arrives. Though your company may offer some sort of special celebration for this occasion, you should truly be focusing on your workplace well-being every day of the year. Maintaining your health no matter the setting you're in is extremely important. So many people spend a vast majority of their time each week at work, making it even more necessary to ensure good health practices in the workplace.
Keep Hand Sanitizer at Your Desk
The typical sentiment is that you should wash your hands often. This isn't always plausible while you're busy at work. Instead, keep hand sanitizer at your desk or work station. You'll be able to clean your hands anytime it's needed. With many co-workers to share space with and everyone touching the same surfaces, it's important to keep the hands clean to avoid the spread of germs.
Report Poor Workplace Conditions
Poor workplace conditions can have a major effect on the health of the employees. Report any poor conditions you see so that proper action can occur. Higher-ups who may not be in the area you are as often may not notice things, so it's up to you to notify them. If your boss isn't doing anything to make changes even after you've reported the situation, then a call to OSHA may be in order.
Pack a Healthy Lunch
Grabbing something from the vending machine or heading out for lunch each day is not indicative of healthy habits. It's better to pack a healthy lunch from home to ensure adequate nutrition. You won't be able to function as well or think efficiently if your diet consists of chips, Little Debbie snacks, candy, or other unhealthy choices. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and water are the appropriate choices.
Stretch Often
Whether you sit all day long or spend most of your time standing, stretching is going to be important. Your body can quickly start to develop aches if you're in the same position for too long. These aches can become chronic if you do nothing to correct them. Stretch often while you're working to keep your joints flexible and free from pain.
Manage Your Stress
Work can be stressful. Do your best to not let it get to you or you may find yourself feeling anxious, upset, or even sick every time you're at your job. It's important to manage stress by finding ways to cope, such as writing down your thoughts in a journal, taking a break, going for a walk at lunch, or listening to music if it's allowed. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
Your health should always be at the top of your priority list whether you're at work or at home. In the workplace especially, though, since so many others are in close contact with you, it's even more vital that you consider your personal well-being. Maintain your health any way possible.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santee, Calif.