Desk jobs have the common conception of being unhealthy, boring working environments, but they don’t have to be. With more and more people getting desk jobs, it seems imperative that we educate ourselves on how to stay motivated at our desks, work well and ultimately stay healthy.
#1 Get up and move around
DIY Genius says that sitting down is the new smoking. It says, “New research is now finding that this sedentary lifestyle is contrary to our biological needs and destructive to our overall well-being. The human body has evolved to be mobile, not sedentary.” With this in mind, it’s important you get up every now and then from your desk and take a walk around. On your lunch break, take a walk in the fresh air to really blow out the cobwebs! You’ll find you feel better for it in the afternoon and can manage a day a lot better sitting at your desk.
There are also certain exercises you can do at your desk to keep your posture in line. Regularly do stretches to keep your joints from going stiff. You can also help your eyesight by staring into the distance (away from your PC screen) every half an hour for five minutes. This can help your eyes readjust from being constantly on your screen.
#2 Eat well
Don’t pig out on crisps and unhealthy snacks on your desk. Opt for fresher options which will keep your mind motivated and engaged in your work. Dried fruit and nuts is a good option because you can easily store them in a box on your desk and snack on them throughout the day. Fruit is another good option. Fruitful Office, say that since introducing fruit into the workplace, 81% of staff thought having fresh fruit available at their desk had “improved their quality of life at work.” So, if you get a craving for some sugar, grab and apple or a banana and see your energy levels rise, rather than slump like they would after a cake.
If fruit is a little too boring for you, try a fruit salad instead. By cutting up and mixing your fruits, you can enjoy a nicer snack which is far more attractive to eat. You could also try putting fruit into a smoothie for a different treat.
#3 Stay social
If you’re in a bigger office, chances are your colleagues feel the same as you. So, keep connected and stay social. Get to know your colleagues and have a chat with them in your breaks. The less isolated you feel, the better you will feel about your desk job. Share snacks, bring in the occasional treat for a birthday and say ‘Good Morning’ to your colleagues each day. This can give you a greater sense of belonging in an office environment.
