5 Ways to Stay Healthy at your 9-5 Job

Like most people, I work in an office from roughly 9-5 during the week.  I have the benefit of working from home a couple of days, but for the most part I am stuck in an office 8+ hours a day.  It’s not the most complimentary environment; the air can be dry, the lights horrible and there’s usually someone coughing away, but it’s not all doom and gloom.  Here are 5 things you can do to keep yourself (and your mind) healthy while at work.

1. Drink plenty of water!  The air in offices can be really dry, so combat that with getting your water intake for the day.  I bring a 1L water bottle and keep it at my desk.  I fill it up in the morning when I get to work and my goal is to finish it by lunch… I’ll fill it up again after lunch and drink that before I head home.
2. Anti-blue light glasses.  Especially if you’re staring at a computer all day or working under florescent lights.  You can get them without any magnification, but they can help keep your circadian rhythm (aka your body’s internal clock) in check (your circadian rhythm regulates A LOT of important bodily functions).
3. Take your lunch break.  I read somewhere that people are actually more productive in the afternoons when they step away from their desks and take a lunch break.  I always, always, always make sure to take mine.  I eat in the office kitchen and then I head out for a quick walk.  It really helps to get out of the office and get your mind off of what you were working on.  Plus, depending on weather, it’s great to head outside and get some fresh air.
4. Bring your own food everyday.  My husband jokes that my upper body strength comes from lugging my lunch bag to work everyday, rather than lifting weights at the gym.  I bring all my food with me to work everyday = a morning snack, my actual lunch and then an afternoon snack.  It saves me from being tempted to head down to the foodcourt if I get hungry throughout the day.
5. Take small breaks.  They say to try and take a walk around the office every hour.  I know that can be almost impossible to do, but I do try to take breaks after I’ve finished working on a task/project.  It does help to stand, stretch your legs and roll your shoulders (especially your shoulders if you spend all day typing like me).