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Ways to Protect Health at Work

If you have a 40-hour work week, you spend an average of 800 hours per month at work. If your work environment is unhealthy, it isn't just your physical health that can take a toll, but your mental health as well. It is important to pull the focus back on yourself and make your work environment as healthy as possible and ensure that you protect yourself from unhealthy habits.

  1. The Basics

    • Concentrated areas are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. If you work in an office with small cubicle space, lots of human interaction, or money, then you need to wash your hands often or keep a bottle of hand sanitizer on your desk. Try to use your own office equipment; sharing telephones and keyboards can lead to the spread of colds.

    Stretch It Out

    • Sitting at a desk all day and staring at a computer screen puts you at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, strains your eyes, and prevents you from stretching your muscles. Use moments of free time to pull away from the computer. Take a short walk and do some simple stretches just to get the blood moving. Make sure you take a minute to rest tired eyes. Think about investing in items designed to make office work more comfortable, such as a small keyboard pad that supports your wrists and hands.

    Bring in the Good

    • When feeling stressed, pull out a small list of all the things you're grateful for; these little reminders can help boost mental health and positive thinking. Keep drawings your children have made for you, or pictures of friends and family, within sight of your workspace. If it is allowed, keep a low-maintenance plant on your desk to clear the air and your mind.

    Toxic Coworkers

    • Avoid toxic coworkers, the ones who are constantly complaining and gossiping. These people only help you see the dark side of the situation. Hearing someone complain nonstop will only bring you down. Try to stay near positive people. You don't want to be around negativity; it will fog your mind and make your day seem even more tedious.

    You Are What You Eat

    • Work environments don't always promote the healthiest eating; there are vending and soda machines everywhere, someone brought in a box of glazed donuts, or it's pizza Friday. All these events can throw your healthy eating plan out the window. Ensure that you always have healthy snack options, bring a small bag of almonds or celery sticks to snack on. Pack your own lunch to avoid loading up on fast food.

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