We all strive to stay healthy and energized, and what works for some might not be the best solution for others. However, when it comes to wellness at work, there are a few concepts most experts agree on.
Wellness in the workplace is a topic many employers are engaged with. Those that prioritize employee wellbeing reap the benefits of improved productivity, fewer sick days, and a generally happier and more satisfied workforce.
But even if your company doesn’t give you perks like healthy snacks in the break room, gym memberships, weekly massages, or bring-your-pet-to-work days, there are plenty of things you can do to fill the gaps. If you’re working from home these days, having a few wellness strategies in your back pocket is doubly important. With that in mind, let’s look at some of our top tips to improve your wellbeing at work:
- Keeping Good Posture. Are you ensconced on the couch with a laptop on your knees? Perched on a barstool, hunched over the kitchen island? If you are at your desk, how are you sitting?
If you experience back pain, it’s time to look at the ergonomics of how you sit. Slouching for hours at a time is certainly not going to help matters – and it might cost you a fortune in chiropractor visits!
According to ergonomic science:
- Your screen should be positioned at or just slightly below your eye level.
- The keyboard should be placed so you do not have to reach for it.
- Your arms should rest comfortably on the armrests of your chair.
- Feet are flat on the floor, knees bent at a 90˚ angle.
- Your back and neck should be supported.
To achieve this, having the right chair is critical. It is also important that your desk and keyboard tray are at the proper height and angle.
- Get Moving. Have you heard? Sitting is the new smoking! If you’re planted in front of the computer most of the day, be sure to make time for movement. If you wear a FitBit, you can set it to remind you to move once every hour. You can also program alarms into your phone or use an app like Stretchly or Unhook. Use those reminders to get up and stretch, do a few laps around the house, take the dog out, or go get a snack.
- Stay Nourished and Hydrated. It’s easy to ignore the rumbling in your stomach when you’re deep into a project with a deadline. For convenience sake, and for your body, take a few hours each week to put together some healthy snacks. Pre-portion nuts and seeds, fresh fruit, or raw veggies and hummus, so they’re ready to grab-and-go. Keep a few protein bars or shakes on hand for a nutritious pick-me-up when crunch time doesn’t allow for a full meal at lunch.
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking more about your wellness at work. Keep in mind that if you’re overwhelmed, and you need business support, My Annapolis Office is always here to help. Reach out today to learn more about what we can do for you.
