7 Ways to Make Your Desk Job Healthier
In an ideal world, none of us would have jobs in offices or at desks, and we’d all have the day free to roam the land, walking miles to hunt for tonight’s dinner or digging in the vegetable garden. Sadly, real life isn't that simple – and many of us rely on the jobs we have to provide ourselves with good quality, healthy foods to put on the table of an evening.
We know the health impacts long periods of sitting at a desk can bring about, so here are seven things you can do to make this kind of work healthier.
1. Take a movement break every hour
If your job forces you to sit still for most of the day, it’s important you take the time to move as often as you can. Try and schedule a five minute ‘movement break’ every hour, where you go for a walk and stretch. This will help to counteract the negative impact on your posture and muscle alignment of long periods of sitting down.
2. Walk to work
If you’re lucky enough to live within a reasonable distance to your workplace, why not walk (or even better, run) there once or twice a week?
3. Take the stairs
Simple things like taking the stairs instead of the lift can make a real difference, especially if your office is located on a high floor. If you can, why not incorporate some stair sprints into your breaks?
4. Take lunch outside
Whenever the weather allows, take yourself outside for some fresh air in your lunch break. It will give you a much needed break from technology and artificial light, as well as give you a real boost of vitamin D.
5. Get a light filter
If you’re concerned about the levels of blue light you’re taking in by staring at a computer, why not try a blue light filter for your screen?
6. Stand up / treadmill desks
Your boss may take some convincing on this one, but why not recommend standing / treadmill desks for the workplace?
7. Grounding mats
Grounding, or earthing, mats are brilliant if you want to get more connected with the earth. They slip under your desk easily – read more about them here
There we have it – seven simple ways to make your desk job much healthier. Have I missed anything? If you work in an office, what steps do you take to make it a healthier environment?
