Maintaining healthy habits at work can be a breeze with small adjustments. Consider the improvements below to create health, positivity and productivity at work.
Focus on air quality.
Bring plants to work to that will filter the air and create more oxygen. Often, air gets trapped in offices and becomes stagnant. Toxins can build up in stagnant air. Breathing in polluted air can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and irritation of the sinuses and throat.
One of the best indoor plants and easiest to take care of is a sansevieria. This “Mother-In-Law’s Tongue” or “Snake Plant” is perfect for those that don’t have that green of a thumb, as it doesn’t require a steady water regimen or high sunlight. Another option for an area with little light is a ZZ plant (zamioculas zamifolia). A few other plants that are easy to maintain and are ideal for purifying air include spider plants, pothos, philodendron, ferns and bamboo. Any plant would benefit and improve the quality of air, but these require low maintenance. Keep in mind that some plants with flowers could create pollen.
Another great way to make the air healthier is to use a Himalayan salt lamp. These are simply a large chunk of salt with a bulb in it or smaller pieces in a basket with a bulb. With a quality, food grade Himalayan salt lamp, negative ions will be produced when the lamp is on; bacteria and allergens carry a positive charge, and the negative ions neutralize them. Plus, these lamps are decorative and will spruce any workspace!
Move the body.
For anyone working a desk job or working at a computer, staying active is imperative. Maybe work has standing desks, or even better, a desk that allows for walking while at the computer; but for most, that’s probably not the case. Many people end up slouching while sitting at the desk, and over time, this can cause issues on the lower back and shoulders.
Request a chair with good lumbar support, or try sitting on a large exercise ball. An exercise ball activates the core and helps prevent slouching. With typical office chairs, try lowering the seat down so the arms are outright, making it impossible to lean over the desk. Posture is important, but so is comfort! Sitting in a chair day in and day out that is uncomfortable may unknowingly affect one’s mood over time.
Just like sitting hunched over for extended periods of time can create long-term issues, so can staring at the computer screen without taking a break and repetitive movements like typing on a keyboard and clicking a mouse. Give the eyes a break every 20 minutes or to rest. If possible, take a quick walk around the office at this time to get the oxygen flowing throughout the entire body. Stretch the wrists, neck and shoulders often throughout the day. If taking a walk around the office isn’t an option, stay in the chair and stretch or do office yoga. This break also gives the mind a rest which can help energy and mood.
Prepare healthy meals.
Healthy eating can be one of the most difficult habits to maintain at work. Between food catered in for work events to donuts on Fridays, there can be a lot of temptation for tasty foods that might not be healthy. The easiest way to maintain healthy lunches is to prepare the week’s meals on Sunday. If prepping the entire week ahead of time doesn’t work, prep the night before to help the morning run a lot smoother if the snooze button is hit one too many times. It is important to eat nutrient rich foods; fueling the body helps to lower the amount of cravings, stabilize blood sugar, and reduce headaches. Additionally, sufficient water intake is equally as important. Adequate water intake helps to cut cravings and fights off the sluggish feeling that can come with dehydration.
Reduce any negativity.
Environment plays a huge role in mood quality and emotions. If the environment at work is not pleasant, it becomes difficult to go to work even the job is enjoyable. Depending on the size of the personal workspace, like an office, cubicle or shared desk, or even what regulations may be in place at work, try to make the work area more agreeable. Brighten the space with something simple like a lamp, a cute pen holder or even personalized notepads for a personal flare. Bring a picture or two in a nice frame or make a custom calendar. Choose items that promote positivity, are inspiring, or encourage a new outlook.
With these subtle improvements, you’ll begin seeing big differences. Set the scene to stimulate success!
Quick Tips for Instant Improvement:
1. Include plants for improved air quality.
2. Take short walking breaks to reduce eye strain and encourage blood flow.
3. Spruce up an office environment with personal items such as a desk clock or a photo.
4. Stay hydrated for optimal mind and body performance.
5. For those who frequent the desk at work, find a chair with good lumbar support.
Source : By Leannah Seese | womenslifestyle.com
