While most people do want to live healthier lives, they sometimes feel conflicted, because their profession may limit what they can do. While some changes to your daily work routine may not be within your power, there are still some things you can do to make your workplace a healthier environment.
Get Moving
Research has revealed that sitting too long can be hazardous to your health, allowing blood clots to form and causing other circulatory problems. If you work at a desk or other environment in which you spend most of your day seated, it's important to get up and walk around once in awhile. It helps you get the blood flowing and will help you stay alert and more productive.
Improve Air Quality in the Workplace
Here is one of those things that may be out of your control. If your work area is carpeted, it may be trapping contaminants and allergens in the fibers. Ask your supervisor how often they bring in a service to provide the best carpet cleaning to determine if that may be a problem. While you may have no influence over getting the floors cleaned more often, you can bring in your own air purifier to place in your work area. Make sure it has a HEPA filter.
Comply with Health and Safety Rules
These guidelines are established for a reason, whether your employer enacted them to obey the law or because they want a safer work environment out of good conscience. In either case, following these rules can help you protect your health and help keep your workplace accident free. For instance, wearing hearing protection in noisy areas will help you keep your hearing from degenerating and wearing goggles will keep your vision protected.
Take Regular Breaks
Research has found that only one-fourth of workers take the breaks to which they are regularly entitled. Very often, people either work through their breaks or take shorter breaks than they should. This can cause stress-related illnesses to develop and can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Make Your Work Area More Personal
People who personalize their workspace are generally more comfortable at work, which helps them to feel relaxed and less pressured. This doesn't require any major changes, however. It can be something as simple as adding a few photographs or changing the screensaver on your computer. By making the area reflect your personality, you'll feel more at home, while you're away from home.
Develop a Healthier Routine
This begins at home, but can be extended to the workplace. Instead of going for that cup of coffee right when you wake up, go for a run first. Afterwards, enjoy a healthy breakfast and take a few minutes to relax, before heading to the office. Later in the day, reorganize how you spend your lunch break. Instead of eating a big meal and spending the hour gossiping with co-workers, eat a lighter lunch and go for a brief walk around the company grounds. You can even park your car at the farthest end of the parking lot to maximize your walking time.
Bring the Outdoors into the Office
By adding one or more plants to your work area, you can brighten the environment and promote stronger mental health. Research suggests that adding a plant or two to an environment can boost our mood and give us a better sense of wellness. It can be a small plant for your desk, or you can bring in a larger plant that will sit in the corner.
Aromatherapy Helps Reduce Stress
Adding a scented candle or an essential oil diffuser to your work area can be a great way to reduce stress and elevate your mood. Look for natural scents and select one that you really enjoy. It will help you feel less tense at work.
By making small changes like these, you can make your work environment healthier and happier. Best of all, as your co-workers see you making these changes, they may be inspired to also make healthier changes to their own work areas. Before long, everyone will be healthier and happier, boosting overall morale in the workplace.
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