When you work in an office it’s very easy to get into a routine, and that includes building bad habits. With so many things to do that require your full attention, it’s no wonder you put healthy living to one side.
In order to get through the day and finish your work, you can easily avoid good habits and fall into these unhealthy traps. Of course, there are simple health tips that can help you break the bad habits and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
So, what are some of Britains worst work habits?
Let’s take a look at some more common habits and how to break them:
Sitting All Day
If you work in an office, chances are you spend most of your day sitting at your desk. Sitting down for prolonged periods of time can not only give you back pain, but it has also been associated with increased blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
What’s worse, research shows that going to the gym won’t counteract the effects of chronic sitting. The solution is, quite simply, to spend less time sitting down. Just spending a few minutes every hour standing up can make a big difference. Some simple good health tips are standing while on the phone, taking regular short breaks and taking a lap around the office.
Eating at Your Desk
When you have so many things to do, it can often seem easier to just eat your lunch at your desk. It’s an easy trap to fall into, but eating alone at your desk is not a good habit to have. Not only does it lead to germs and more time sitting, but it also means less social interaction.
Taking a proper lunch break will give you a much needed mental break and the renewed energy you need to keep you focused for the rest of the day. Use the opportunity to connect with your co-workers and build better relationships in the workplace.
Having a Messy Desk
Having an unkempt work area will not only look unprofessional and annoy your co-workers, but it can also cause stress, impede your ability to properly concentrate and lead to inefficiency. It doesn’t help knowing that the average desk is a whopping 70% dirtier than a toilet seat, eww…
What’s the healthy living habit? Try a weekly desk tidy and clean with antibacterial wipes. Having an organized desk will make it easier to find documents, which can make you quicker and more efficient, hurrah!
Not Drinking Enough Water
It may sound easy enough, but when you are so focused on work you often forget to do the simplest things. Staying hydrated helps to boost energy levels, reduce headaches, keep your memory sharp and it’s great for your skin. What’s not to love?
While it may be tempting to get your energy boost from a soda or cup of coffee, you should try and limit your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can lead to headaches, anxiety and increased heart rate, so it’s best to keep it to a minimum.
Mindless Snacking
The more stressed you are, the less you are going to think about your eating patterns and the more likely you are to choose an unhealthy food over a healthy food. The worst part is that most offices will have plenty of unhealthy snacks on offer, whether it be from the snack pile someone brought in or the vending machines next door.
Of course, over-snacking on these foods is not only bad for your waistline, but it can lead to health problems including obesity, long term digestive disorders and constipation. Avoid grazing by eating a healthy breakfast to avoid hunger pangs and drinking plenty of water. Better yet, pack healthy snacks such as carrot sticks, nuts and fruit for a good alternative.
Poor Posture
Poor posture is one of the most common bad workplace habits there is and one which can lead to various problems. You’ve probably noticed that it leads to back pain, but did you know that it can also lead to headaches, fatigue, poor breathing and a blocked digestive system?
Our best health tips? Make sure that your chair, desk and all of its contents are positioned correctly. Choose a chair which is ergonomic in design and use the guidelines to place it in the right position. Don’t slouch in your seat and instead keep your spine straight and your back against the backrest. Lastly, place your monitor at eye-height to avoid constantly tilting your neck.
So much helpful article! Thanks Saskia!
I’m glad you found it helpful, thank you!