Staying Fit and Safe While Working
Attention fitness fanatics! You know how important it is to stay active and keep your body in good shape. However, it is just as important to move safely in the workplace as it is to get your daily training session in. If you’ve ever had to shuffle through an office or busy job site, this post is for you! Let’s explore a handful of practical workplace health and safety tips to help you stay fit and safe through working.
Move That Body – The Importance of Breaks
Let’s be real; sitting at a desk or standing still for hours and hours is not good for our bodies. You know that neck stiffness or stiff lower back you get at the end of the day? Yeah, me too! That’s why getting breaks throughout the day is important.
Quick tip: Set a timer for every hour and stand, stretch and walk around for a few minutes. These mini-breaks will show you just how much better you feel after. Believe it or not, you’ll often feel better cognitively too. It’s like going for a quick jog from your desk!
Ergonomics, it matters – Setup Your Workspace Right
Speaking of desks, are you familiar with the term, ergonomics? This is a fancy way of talking about designing a workspace that fits you instead of you fitting the workspace. A good ergonomic setup can prevent wrist pain, chronic back pain, and a lot of other problems.
Key considerations when setting up your workspace:
- The chair height: Your feet should be flat on the ground with no more than a 90-degree angle at the knees.
- Screen placement: The top of your monitor should be at eye level in order to avoid straining your neck.
- Keyboard and mouse placement: they should be as close to each other as possible while keeping your wrists in a neutral position.
If you are like me and continuously adjust your setup, don’t get discouraged! Keep adjusting your workspace until it feels comfortable – your future self will thank you!
Drink Water – Your Body Needs It
Let’s be honest: how often do you forget to drink water throughout the workday? If you’re like I used to be, it’s probably more often than you care to admit. Staying hydrated is important for focus and energy, and for keeping your joints lubricated—which is typically important whether you’re on your feet all day, or banging at the keyboard!
Pro-tip: keep a water bottle at your desk and try to keep it full as much as possible. You can even set a goal for yourself like “finish half of it by lunchtime.” Don’t be afraid to take it up a notch and try something different—like adding fresh fruit or cucumber for variety.
Keep Your Feet Happy- Wear the Right Shoes
If you have a job where you do a lot of walking and standing, the right shoes can make a huge difference. Let’s face it – who wouldn’t rather wear their comfortable sneakers instead of a stiff dress shoe? If you have this option, you want to make sure to wear shoes that offer support and cushioning.
If you can’t part with your lovely shoes, then consider purchasing insoles. They will definitely help minimize the pressure on your feet and lower back. I certainly learned the hard way that some shoes are not made for a 12 hour shift!
Mental Health is Important – Don’t Forget to Breathe
It’s so simple to get caught up in deadlines and meetings but mental health is just as important as physical health, which is why if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed it can be useful to take a few minutes of mindful breathing or meditation. Find a quiet area away from everybody, close your eyes, and breathe. Simple, yet effective.
Bonus Tip! If your workplace has a wellness program or offers to do yoga, take advantage of that opportunity! You might be surprised at how much good a little zen can do to your day!
Social Support – Create a Culture of Positivity at Work
And finally, surround yourself with people who can inspire you and be positive influences in the workplace. Finding people who are supportive can lead to a healthier environment for all. It can be as simple as wanting to go for a stroll during lunch or going to the gym after work with a colleague.
Please don’t just talk, have the conversation with a colleague or two! You never know, you might find a partner in crime who is may want to improve their well-being at work, too.
Final Thoughts
It’s not just about “living healthy” at work; it’s about creating a healthy environment that allows you to thrive! By doing small things—taking breaks, creating an ergonomic workspace, staying hydrated, making choice in dress, prioritizing mental health and developing a positive community—you are nurturing your body and mind every day at work and if you need some suggestions you can read our “health and Safety tips for workplace” blog.
You don’t have to be perfect; just strive for progress! With guidance of health and Safety tips for workplace blog we can make a safer and healthier workplace, one step at a time!
Read more articles for fitness :- Health and Wellness Tips for a Happier Life
