The average person spends 13 hours a day sitting. All this inactivity has the potential to contribute to health problems. It can be hard to stay fit and healthy when you have a sedentary job. So, here are six tips from EAP Assist for boosting your health and wellbeing at work:
1. Build activity into your commute.
Why not walk, cycle or jog part of the way to work? Or, if you take public transport, get off one stop early and walk the rest of the way.
2. Take regular screen breaks.
Aim to get away from your desk for a few minutes every hour. Chat to a colleague rather than emailing them, take a phone call while standing or take a look out of the window.
3. Use the stairs.
Forget the elevator and take the stairs. Doing this will help to build up your aerobic capacity, raise your heart rate and increase your muscle strength.
4. Hold stand-up or walking meetings.
Not only will this get you up, it will make your meetings fun, creative and productive.
5. Go outside for lunch.
Make an effort to leave your desk for lunch, even if it’s just for a short walk around the block. This will boost blood circulation, flex your joints and give you time for mental recharging and reflection.
6. Eat well.
To be truly effective, healthy behaviour has to combine exercise and diet. So, avoid fast foods and prepare something that’s both nutritious and delicious.
