It is difficult to stay healthy if you spend most of your day sitting at a desk. Here are some tips to stay healthy during a long day of work.
- Take Stretch Breaks - both immobility and repetitive motion may hinder your productivity on the job, by causing joint and muscle stiffness, headaches, mental and physical fatigue, stress, and injuries due to repetitive strain. Taking time out for stretch breaks during your workday is a great way to recharge your batteries. Stand up and stretch for two minutes every hour. Just a few minutes of gentle stretching brings nutrients to your muscles, relieves tension, increases feelings of well-being and improves your flexibility.
- Take the Stairs - people rarely take the stairs when there is an elevator available. However, a 150 pound person can burn up to seven calories per minute on the stairs. A typical person can expect to lose 2.5 pounds per year by taking the stairs for five minutes, five times per week.
- Form a Walking Group - this is a great way to create a support system to help you and your coworkers stay healthy during the day. Take a walking break together. You may also consider turning some of your meetings into walking meetings.
- Pack Your Lunch - studies have shown that you are less likely to lose weight if you eat out for any meal, but the strongest correlation is seen with lunch. When you eat out frequently, you have less control over ingredients, cooking methods and portion size.