Stay healthy at the office this season by following these timely tips.
We all try to maintain good health during the winter months by staying warm and dry, adjusting our exercise routines, taking our vitamins, and protecting our skin from the elements.
But what about guarding ourselves against attacks on our good health in the workplace? Here are easy tips to help you ward off workplace threats to your health.
Water, Water, Water
Yes, we hear it all the time because it’s one of the best (if not the best) things we can do for our bodies and our health! And it’s free! Drinking an adequate amount of water each day has many benefits besides the all-important role of assisting in all essential bodily functions. Drinking water can assist in weight loss, help prevent illness, keep your skin clear and healthy, aid in digestion, and more. Opinions vary on exactly how much water you should drink every day. Your lifestyle and activity levels will have a bearing on what amount is best for you. If you feel you need some guidance, you can talk to your health care professional to help determine how much water per day is best for you. Just remember to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Holiday Food Fest
During the holiday season, many goodies come to the office and are hard to resist! Try to keep healthy snacks at your desk, and don’t allow yourself to get too hungry. You’ll be able to resist or at least keep indulgence in sugary calory laden treats to a minimum. Pack a healthy, filling lunch to help you ward off cravings and the urge to splurge. It’s ok to indulge as long as you can do it without over-indulging.
Catch Some Z’s
Sleep allows our bodies to recuperate and recharge. Some people have difficulty with sleep patterns during the longer nights of winter months. Keep to your regular sleep schedule as much as possible by going to bed at the same time and getting up at the same time – even if it’s difficult when it’s dark outside. Making sure you are well rested will help your immune system fight off the office bugs that spread in the winter months. Experts recommend a minimum of seven hours a night to fully rest and recharge. Make sure to avoid “screen time” and don’t eat too close to your bedtime. If you have trouble relaxing when you first go to bed try reading, meditation or use one of the many great apps available to help you de-stress and get a good night’s sleep!
Wash Those Germs Away
No matter what time of year it is or where you are washing your hands regularly will help you to avoid nasty bugs and germs. Workplace door handles (bathroom, office, refrigerator, cabinet, etc.), keyboards, phones, printer, and copy machine touchpads, are full of germs that spread easily with all of the touch activity they receive. Touch any one of those items and then rub your eyes, wipe your nose or mouth – and you’ve just exposed yourself to whatever office germ or bug was lurking! Make a practice year-round of cleaning your workplace by regularly washing items down or wiping with anti-bacterial wipes. Make sure to wash your hands throughout your day and keep hand sanitizer at the ready.
Hours spent at the office can rival or exceed the hours we spend at home, so it’s important to remember to keep our health protected in the workplace. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy a truly healthy and happy holiday season!
