We all know by this stage that sitting
slumped at an office desk for nine hours a day, whilst continuously snacking,
drinking copious amounts of black coffee and stressing about deadlines is not
the healthiest lifestyle. However, this is the predicament that the majority of
London’s workers are in, so rather than moan about how many pounds you are
putting on and that your back is killing you – why not read these handy tips
and turn your average working day into a glowing example of healthy lifestyle
habits. Yes, your colleagues may resent your new routine – but will you really
care when you are flying high as a kite on the feel-good rush that comes as a
result of actually looking after your body and mind properly for once!
1.
Move around more: This really is one of the
most obvious, but most easily ignored facts of office life. It is not humanely
possible to be comfortable in one position all day. So, what to do… Get up! Get
off the tube one stop early for a start – a brisk walk at the beginning of the
day will get the blood pumping around your body and increase your metabolism
for the next few hours. When its possible take lengthy phone-calls standing up.
Many people instinctively do this and it is a great habit to get into. Walk
around in the corridor or in reception – or even outside! Just don’t forget to
take a notepad for writing down key information.
2. Drink
less caffeine:
On some level we are all aware that our caffeine intake is far too high. Try
swapping every other hot drink for a healthy herbal tea and enjoy the benefits
that each specific herb brings (Eases bloating, de-stresses, freshens breathe…
I could go on!)
3. Snack,
but snack well!
I’m not going to criticize anyone for grazing throughout the day – we all have
different needs and this does suit some people. However, if this is continually
of sugary, carb-based content – then we have a problem! Swap your usual snacks
for dried fruits and nuts and increase your vitamin intake with ease – not to
mention the anti-oxidants, proteins, good fats, fiber ect.
4. Be
organized: Don’t let lack of organization stop you from
eating healthily. Cook larger portions of dinner, put it into Tupperware and
bring it in! Your home-made dinner will nearly always be more nutritious than a
meal-deal option. Not to mention the amount of money you will save.
5.
Stretch: Sore back? Yes I thought
so! So, stretch it out. Have a little stretch whilst you make a cup of tea –
reach up, touch your toes, roll your shoulders back. Yes, your colleagues might
think you are losing the plot, but if you want to alleviate that back pain it
might be a sacrifice you should be willing to make.
6.
More water! The most obvious of the
lot. Just more – especially if you have been hitting the pub for those wintery
after work wine sessions. Re-hydrate your body and that niggling headache will
fade away. Give your liver a boost by adding a slice of lemon to some warm
water – there so many benefits to this that I will be writing a whole article
just on this topic. Watch this space!
7. Take
time to de-stress:
Set a 5-minute timer and just go outside, take a deep breath, and walk around
until the timer is up. Your head will feel clearer and you will boost your
circulation, making you feel refreshed and ready to tackle that impossible
to-do list.
8.
Sit properly: Sit up straight, put your
feet on the floor properly – that was easy! If you are really struggling with
feeling uncomfortable in your work chair, then ask for a new one – it is well
within your rights to be comfortable at work. It may be worth investing in a
gadget to adjust the height of you laptop if your desk is too low. Again, if
you are worried about costs, just ask. You will be surprised how willing most
bosses are to make sure their workers won’t be having to take lengthy periods
of time off to recover from a more serious condition caused by their work
environment….
9. Deal
with problems effectively:
More of a ‘healthy mind’ point here. There is nothing less healthy than talking
about colleagues behind their backs and creating a negative and tense
atmosphere in your office. If there really is a worthwhile issue that is
bugging you, then take them to one side and have a gentle conversation about
it. You will get far more respect for being able to deal with problems
tactfully and in a straight-forward manner. Problem solved.
10. Get
the others involved! Now
that your office is beginning to see the difference that these simple tips have
made to your working day – why not endeavor to get them involved. For example,
a delivery of fresh fruit for the office each way is an easy way to encourage a
healthy environment. Some delivery companies even offer fruit and nut packages
to allow for some seriously healthy snacking. Why not take it to another level
and order the herbal teas to be delivered alongside the fruit – less caffeine, more
fruit, healthier snacks, and you are sure to all be feeling positively angelic
within a couple of weeks.
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