5 Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy in the Office

For many people, working in an office is how they make their living - but it can also be quite damaging towards an employee's fitness or health, if not taken seriously. Our helpful tips will ensure you stay on top of both, and make sure the time spent in your office is as positive as possible!

1) Posture

Posture is possibly the largest factor when it comes to health and wellbeing in an office. If you're sat in a chair all day, it can have a negative effect on your energy and productivity, which will only cause problems to your output throughout the day.

To keep a good posture, avoid slouching in your chair - keep your back up straight and your feet flat on the floor. If this feels uncomfortable, pop something underneath your feet, such as a box or pile of books. Try not to cross your legs or stick them out in front of you, as this is not good for blood flow - plus, you might accidentally knock the legs of the person sitting opposite you!

2) Breaks

When it comes to keeping fit and healthy in life, you also need to look after your brain and mental state.

Taking regular breaks from your screen can give your mind a refresh. Why not go for a chat with your colleagues around the coffee machine or outside in the sunshine? Switch some music or a podcast on, and bring your mind to life - or open up a magazine and learn something new. These will all help you to become a more engaging human being and you may even learn a thing or two!

A final thing you can do is to set regular reminders to go and take a walk around the block - to get some fresh air, and to get your legs moving and your heart pumping. Your mental state and positivity will also improve, having a knock-on effect with your colleagues.

3) Food and drink

Any person who's worked in an office during their lifetime will tell you that food and drink are the biggest temptations. Look at those cookies on your colleague's desk - how many should you have? What about the cake which Brenda has brought in for her birthday - it's too good to say no to, isn't it? Should you get a sandwich or a salad for lunch?

If you're under a lot of pressure or stress, or get bored easily, this can lead to mindless snacking. Keep your hand away from those sweets and crisps - they'll just make you tired and unproductive. There are some healthy alternatives you can have, such as almonds, fruit, cereal or protein bars.

Another issue with food and drink is time - a lot of workers don't have the hours to put into preparing their own lunches. Get into a routine of making yourself a lunch each night before bed - it'll save your time and be healthier than buying from the cafe round the corner!

4) Desks

Desks can be your little area to keep your family photo, stationery tin and snacks - away from the rest of the office - a true area to make your own and to let your personality shine. Having these trinkets surrounding you will keep your happiness levels and emotions up (especially when you may be having a down day).

If you want to take it a step further, there are different types of desks which can help you get healthier as you work. Standing desks, which can be easily adjusted by a lever, avoid the health risks of being sat down for hours a day, and cycling desks allow you to pedal as you type.

5) Laughing

As Confucius once said, ''Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life'' - and it couldn't be more true!

Surround yourself with colleagues who make you laugh and don't be afraid to share a joke or two throughout the day - laughing increases the endorphins released by your brain and relaxes your body more. In turn, you'll become more productive - and it'll have a positive effect on you, your team and your job.

Finally - don't be afraid to laugh at yourself every once in awhile - it can be a fantastic way to destress yourself and ease the pressure of your work day.

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