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Stay healthy at work

Posted on 30th June 2015

For those of you in busy office jobs, it's easy to feel there's never enough time to look after yourself properly. After all,  you often feel like you're chained to your desk for eight hours a day, particularly if you start skipping lunch and not taking any breaks.

But we at The Maine Group think there's always time to take care of your body and your mind at work - all without going to too much effort. So here are just a few ideas that could help you stay healthy and thrive in your job at the same time.

Have a breakfast
It's the most important meal of the day, so make sure you get up at a decent time so you're able to make something that's nutritious and tasty. It really doesn't take long to make and enjoy a decent breakfast, but the difference it can make to your working day can be massive.

Don't stay parked in your seat all day
You might be in a desk-based job, but there are still countless opportunities to get up and move around during the working day. Volunteer to do the tea run and if you need to speak to a colleague at another desk, go over and speak face to face rather than email them. Conduct some meetings without seats perhaps, and take the stairs rather than the lift when you need to go to a different floor. And crucially, don't eat lunch at your desk and stay there for your allotted hour. Go out and take a walk - you'll feel better for it in the afternoon!

Establish regular sleep patterns
You're more likely to avoid unhealthy habits both at home and at work if you've had a good night's sleep. So get in a routine to ensure you feel refreshed and alert, without having to down 12 cups of coffee just to make it to lunchtime.

Ease off on snacking
If you've started the day with a good breakfast, you'll be less likely to need a snack in the morning! And if you do find yourself feeling a little bit peckish, why not munch on a healthy option like fruit rather than crisps and chocolate from the vending machine? As well as being far more nutritious, it should give you a good energy boost so you can attack your next task with vigour.

Stay hydrated
A glass of water can be far more refreshing and conducive to hard work than a fizzy drink, so make sure you're well hydrated if you want to stay focused and alert.Try to drink 2 litres a day, this is the recommended amount!

Personalise your workspace
You're more likely to be alert and motivated if you're working in a pleasant environment, so maybe tailor your desk to suit you individually. This could mean anything from having everything organised the way you want it to having a photograph of your  family or friends in a frame on display. It all helps to make your working environment somewhere you want to be and a place where you feel like you can perform at your best.

Bring a packed lunch
It's easy to nip out at lunchtime and grab a burger, a pasty or a packet of crisps. (Believe us, our office is opposite Byron Burger, so we know!) But how much healthier would your diet be if you took the time to make a healthy and nutritious lunch. In fact, you don't even need to do that most of the time, as last night's leftover dinner could be a perfect - and tasty! - option come midday. And of course, this saves you lots of money!
 
While many office jobs might seem pretty sedentary, there is plenty you can do to make sure you stay fit, healthy and able to do the job you've been hired to do. And as the above examples show, they don't have to be arduous and major lifestyle changes. Just a few little changes here and there and a determination not to slip into bad habits without realising it can make a big difference to both your health and your job satisfaction!