Working in an office does not sound like the most dangerous job in the world. When compared to truly dangerous workplaces like mines, construction sites or oil rigs in the middle of the ocean, it really is not that dangerous.
Still, there are those little risks and dangers that are involved with sitting in a closed space for extended periods of time and staring into the computer screen for hours that we just need to talk about. Also, we need to talk about the negative effects on the mood that working in an office can have. So, how does one keep their health in an office environment?
Get up from time to time
The worst thing you can do for your health when working in the office is sitting without getting up for eight or more hours straight. This increases the risks of cardiovascular disease and can lead to cramps and discomfort in the joints and the back. The right thing to do is to get up for at least two to three minutes every hour. If you can afford it more often and for longer, then by all means do it. You can do some stretching exercises while you are up; work outyour muscles a bit.
Make sure you have the right furniture
If you do not have quality furniture, your back will suffer, your legs will suffer, your entire body will suffer. When you work, you need proper support and you need comfortable furniture that will be ergonomic. If your employer has not provided proper furniture, spend some money on high quality office furniture that will save your back, literally.
Work from home when possible
If your employer offers the chance to work from home every now and then, take them up on that offer. It has been shown that a few days away from the workplace can do wonders for your mood and your job satisfaction levels. You will still be doing your job, of course, only remotely from your home. This may not be possible in all offices, but if it is in yours, then make sure to enjoy this opportunity.
Drink plenty of water
Many of us forget about the importance of hydration when in the office. We gulp down gallons of caffeinated drinks and coffee, completely forgetting about the fact that these are diuretics and that they actually remove the water from your system. Make sure that you drink at least three full glasses of water while in the office. This is the bare minimum, especially if you drink coffee or other sources of caffeine. You need to keep your body and your mind hydrated.
Take walks during lunch hour
In most cases, your lunch break will last longer than what you need to eat your lunch. You will have some time that you can spend walking. We all know all about the beneficial effects of walking and there is no reason why you would not take a nice stroll during the lunch break. In addition to walking, it will also get you out of the office, letting your brain reboot in the fresh air.
Relax
This is a piece of advice that may be the most difficult to put in practice. Namely, we would like to advise you to try and relax while in the office. Do not worry yourself with things that are out of your control or that you cannot change in any way. Try to phase out any sources of stress in the office, be those your colleagues or your bosses. No job in this world is worthy of your nerves.
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