We’ve all heard the cliché and made endless resolutions we’ll never stick to. We start out with the best intentions but often, our resolutions aren’t realistic. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of 5 simple and productive resolutions you can do at work. Ultimately leading to a happier and healthier you.
1. Go to bed earlier
It’s an obvious one. Its so easy to get wrapped up in social media and YouTube videos when you know you should be asleep. Try giving yourself a deadline to set your phone down for the night and really unwind. According to health.com good sleep quality will increase a whole host of aspects. These include: improved memory, reduced inflammations, sharpened attention span, lower stress and much more.
2. Drink more water
Many of us fail in this department at work. Whether it’s in the office, at home or on the road – we tend to drink mostly caffeinated hot drinks and neglect the important fluids. Webmd.com suggests that drinking water helps energize muscles, aid digestion, increase circulation and aids the transportation of nutrients. Who wouldn’t want all those benefits? A top tip is to keep a bottle with you every where to go and to have a drink with every meal. Also, if water isn’t your thing, try adding cordial or other flavourings to it.
3. Work on your feet
At Direct2U, we’re big advocates for stand more, sit less. Standing desks are causing a revolutionary wave. There are many undeniable health benefits for standing more during the day. Some of these include improved posture, reduced cancer risk and a potentially longer life. Standing can also increase your cardiovascular health. The most recommended way to start is to stand and sit alternatively for 30 minutes. Shop our range of height adjustable desks and calculate your ideal working height on our website.
When you are sitting, it is important to have the correct posture and positioning. Check your back support is sufficient and your chair is the right height. There are many other things to consider so take a look at this check list on the NHS website here.
4. Eat smart
Around a third of our daily calorie allowance is consumed at work. The food we eat not only affects our health but also our performance at work too. Eating regular meals and snacks with a balance of nutrition reduces headaches, lethargy and improves concentration. Its common sense that eating fatty and fast foods at lunch time isn’t good for you. Eating as many fruit and vegetables as you can is the best plan. Avoid buying lunch as its easier to succumb to unhealthy options when you’re hungry. Bringing lunch or leftovers with you can not only save money, but also ensure you don’t over indulge.
5. Reduce stress
Reports suggest that around 15.2 million days were lost due to mental health problems including stress and anxiety. Even if work isn’t the cause of your stress, learning coping techniques for work is useful.
Furthermore, in the UK we work the longest hours in Europe meaning we miss out on things we really enjoy. Relaxation, socialising and exercise all constitute as quality time away from work. Professor Cary Cooper from the University of Lancaster suggests setting aside two evenings a week for ‘me time’.
Another tip from Professor Cooper is to volunteer or do community work. Evidence proves that people who help others become more resilient as a result.
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Thanks for reading! We’d love to hear your top tips on how to keep happy and healthy at work.
Sources:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20459221,00.html#go-ahead-snooze–1
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/6-reasons-to-drink-water#2
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-b-trafecanty/the-benefits-and-consider_b_9996782.html
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jamie-oliver-stand-at-your-desks-now-class-and-fight-obesity-vph8k8df9
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/workplacehealth/Pages/workplaceoverview.aspx
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/reduce-stress/