Maintaining a healthy lifestyle these days is tough enough. However, for those of us who spend the majority of our days working at a computer, it can be even more difficult.
It’s no secret that spending most of your day seated at a desk can adversely affect your physical and mental health. In fact, according to the American Institute of Cancer Research, sedentary behaviour (defined as any waking activity undertaken while sitting, lying down, or leaning against something) has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
However, just because you have an office job doesn’t mean you’re sentenced to a lifetime of poor health. You can do plenty of things to offset the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle and stay healthy in body and mind.
Get up and move around regularly
One of the best ways to offset the adverse effects of sitting all day is to make sure you get up and move around as often as possible. Set a timer on your phone or computer every hour or so, and use it as a reminder to get out of your chair and move around for a few minutes. This is really important, as time can fly by when you’re head down in your work. As a result, your posture and general muscle tone will suffer.
So, when that timer goes off, get yourself up and change positions. Take a walk around the office, get up and do some stretches, or stand up and walk back and forth for a couple of minutes. The important thing is that you make a conscious effort to move your body every hour or so.
Make healthy lifestyle choices
When you’re stuck at a desk all day, it’s so tempting and easy to reach for unhealthy snacks or sugary drinks to help you get through the afternoon slump. However, these kinds of choices will only end up making you feel sluggish in the long run. So, try to keep healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables within reach to make good choices when hunger strikes.
Instead of reaching for that second cup of coffee, try drinking some green tea instead. Green tea has been shown to increase focus and alertness without the side effects that come with caffeine overload. You can also consider meditation as a healthy form of exercise as a way to improve focus.
Take regular breaks from staring at screens
If you spend most of your day staring at computer screens, taking regular breaks is essential to rest your eyes. Look away from your screen every 20 minutes and focus on something else for 20 seconds. This will help reduce eye strain and fatigue. Also, when it’s time to take your lunch break, try stepping away from screens and spending time outside instead. Getting some fresh air and natural sunlight will help improve your mood and energy levels for the rest of the afternoon.
Don’t neglect your own health
It’s really important to ensure you’re taking care of your physical health. Make sure you set aside time for regular checkups with your doctor, dentist, and other specialists as needed. Staying on top of your medical appointments will help you catch any potential issues early and get the treatment you need before they become more serious.
You can easily maintain a healthy lifestyle even with an office job by making a few small tweaks to your daily routine. So don’t let your desk job drag you down – take control of your health and well-being today!
This is a collaborative post.
