7 Ways To Stay Healthy Working At A Desk

Does your job require you to sit at a desk all day long? If so, getting adequate movement can be a challenge. Furthermore, if you develop poor posture, spine and neck problems could also develop. Though it might be difficult to do everything you want from a land-locked job, there are some ways to stay healthy working at a desk.

Ways To Stay Healthy Working At A Desk #1: Eat Healthful Snacks Throughout the Day

I’ve worked in an office before and understand the challenge to eat quality food. The struggle is even greater when there are vending machines staring you down every day. Though a candy bar now and then won’t hurt,  your health may be at risk if you make this induldence a daily habit. Instead, take healthy snacks with you to work so you don’t get hungry. My top choices for times when I know I won’t be able to get out for lunch are nuts, seeds, fruit, carrots, celery, and even protein shakes. Knowing you have something good to munch on helps to keep your mind off of the bad stuff.

Ways To Stay Healthy Working At A Desk #2: Move and Stretch Frequently

It’s important to move as much as you can throughout the day. Your lower body, especially, can be subject to poor circulation and possibly some serious health risks. If I know I’m going to be working long hours at my desk, I set a timer for every half hour to remind me to get up and move around a bit. I also stretch my hands, wrists, neck, and back right there at my desk. I recommend coming up with your own routine that helps you stay alert and feeling good.

Another thing that helps is to stay active outside of work and even on the way.  Biking to work or taking a walk on your lunch break are great ways to offset the hours of inactivity. It’s also fun to track how many steps you take in a day with a fitness tracker or app. Make health and fitness fun, even at work.

Ways To Stay Healthy Working At A Desk #3: Don’t Ignore Pain 

Pain is there for a good reason and is not meant to be ignored. Your body may be telling you that something is wrong and needs attention. Your back, neck, and other parts of your body are meant to move and be free to expand and contract. Sitting at a desk can create the worst situation for the body’s structural support system. If pain persists in any of these areas, it may be time to visit a health professional. Chiropractors and orthopedic doctors like  Dr. Kern Singh are qualified to diagnose and treat chronic pain. 

Ways To Stay Healthy Working At A Desk #4: Drink More Water

Drinking enough water is a pillar of good health. For this reason, it remains one of the most important things I do for myself throughout the day. I do, however, understand how it can be overlooked. Getting in the “zone” at work or with a project can literally distract you from doing the basics.

I do well keeping a large bottle of water with me at all times. It gauges how much water I’ve had and how much more I need before the end of the day. There are also some good phone apps that remind you to drink more water. Plus, drinking water will make you go to the bathroom more, which adds a little bit of movement into your day too! 

Stay Healthy Working At A Desk #5: Give Your Eyes a Break

There is no denying that using a computer for eight hours straight can wreak havoc on your eyes. Aside from your usual breaks, make sure you give your eyes an additional four five-minute breaks per day. This will not only lower muscle and eye strain, but it will also improve your overall efficiency by a considerable degree too.