Healthier Work Habits Can Enhance Your Small Business Success
One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to lose weight and get into shape. While that’s a smart thing to do for your overall health, it’s also a good thing for your business. Unhealthy lifestyle habits increase your risk of illness. Of course, when you aren’t feeling your best, it impacts your productivity and limits your ability to achieve your goals.
There are simple activities you can do throughout your work day to help alleviate stress, get fit, improve your overall health and enhance your business success. Here are my recommendations.
1. Go Outside. Most of us work indoors which means we don’t get much fresh air during the day. Take a break and go outside. Walk around and enjoy the sunlight. Even if it’s cold, cloudy, wet or snowy a few minutes outside can rejuvenate your mind so you’ll be ready to get back to work.
2. Go Ergo. Evaluate your work area. Is it designed ergonomically? The way we sit, the way we strain to see our computers, all of these things affect our well-being. For example, if your chair is too low and your must reach up to use your keyboard you risk straining the muscles in your arms and/or wrists. Make sure you aren’t putting undue strain on your body.
3. Drink Water. Hydration is critically important for your health. Keep a pitcher of water or bottled water on your desk or in your work area. Post a note to yourself so you’re reminded to refresh yourself throughout the day. Water helps maintain your body balance during the day.
4. Avoid Eating and Working. You should never eat at your desk while you’re working. Mindless eating often results in over-eating which isn’t good even if you aren’t trying to shed extra pounds. If you must eat in your office area take a break from your work. Clear an area and take time to eat something healthy. No emails, phone calls or social media -- simply enjoy a healthy lunch.
5. Take a Break. If you want to get more work done, then take a break. It’s recommended you take breaks at least every 90 minutes, and the breaks don’t have to be long. The key is to change the type of thinking and activity you’re doing. So for example, if you are working on a spreadsheet take a break and read a newspaper or listen to a podcast. Do something completely different.
6. Stand Up!! Stand up occasionally when you're working. Too much time spent sitting increases the risk of developing cancer and heart disease -- even if you exercise regularly. That’s according to research from the American Institute for Cancer. Try spending several hours of your work day standing. Try using a counter-top or an adjustable computer stand to work in a comfortable upright, position.
7. Exercise at Your Desk. No time for the gym. There are simple exercises you can do at your desk to help increase your fitness level. For example, if you get cramps in your wrist and forearm from repetitive motion press your hands together in front of your chest, elbows bent and parallel to the floor. Gently bend your wrists to the right and left for 10 reps. Check out online resources such as WebMd for other easy exercises you can do at work.
