The fast-paced lives the majority of people lead is slowly taking its toll. Among the most common complaints are back pain and insomnia, but other downsides are not insignificant, either.
Is there a way to lead a healthier lifestyle and enjoy free time, while still staying motivated and efficient at work?
As always, the solution lies in compromises, which rely on better organization and healthier habits. Let’s take a look at some notable tips on how to achieve a healthier work life.
1. Stop Sitting All Day
Many people spend too much time sitting in front of their screens during their working hours, and then proceed to sit in front of their TVs after their working hours. Needless to say, this is not a good habit and is certain to lead to a number of health conditions if left unchecked.
On top of back pain, people also complain of night cramps and poor concentration, all of which can be prevented by taking short breaks to take a walk, stretch the muscles, or do some light workout.
Plan your day ahead: make a schedule of your daily tasks and include short breaks after each milestone.
2. Don’t Skip Your Health Appointments
The next bad habit many people have is to visit the doctor once they are already suffering from some ailment. The importance of regular checkups seems to have been lost in translation, but it shouldn’t be.
Even though not everyone has a dangerous job, leading an unhealthy lifestyle can and will bring forth health issues sooner or later, so don’t skip checkups and learn to eat healthily.
3. Profit From Learning Opportunities
If you’re unfamiliar with the latter, leaving inside common knowledge, you can find more online. There is a variety of eLearning courses to choose from, so start with the ones that can help you make informed decisions about a healthier lifestyle.
Another good idea is to sign up for selected newsletters that offer daily tips on the topic. You might be surprised to learn that there are, in fact, a great many ideas out there.
When it comes to a healthy diet, there are two things to keep in mind:
- Make every meal nutritious
- Ditch unhealthy snacks and turn to fruit instead
A balanced diet includes all necessary nutrients: fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. Foods rich in salt and sugar should be avoided at all costs. If you crave sugar, turn to fruit. In short, you should include beans, nuts, fish and lean meat in your meals. If you’re vegetarian, add vegetable proteins to your diet (soy and beans are a great choice).
4. Place Importance on Communication
Last but not least, keep stress levels in check. People seem to often overlook the emotional impacts of everyday hectic workplaces, which unmistakably lead to mental and, thereby, physical health issues as well.
It is important to keep communication alive, especially team communication. Working in an environment where people aren’t compatible and open is certain to burden everyone, so don’t allow that to happen.
How to Make Each Break Count
On top of the abovementioned tips, it is also important to learn how to make every break count. A rushed lunch break won’t help your mood much, so opt for an outdoor meal and a short walk.
In addition, you can bring your laptop with you and resume work in a different environment — at your favorite café or outdoors. Don’t underestimate the change of pace and scenery. Sometimes, it is all it takes to feel more relaxed.
By extension, you can also schedule your time off even when there’s too much job — simply plan a “work getaway.” Workations are, in fact, rather popular, and some hotels even offer suitable packages to fit that purpose.
Remember, however, that good planning is essential in this matter. You’ll want to have enough time for unwinding, as well as your daily tasks.
Staying Healthy in the Fast-Paced World of Today: A Summary
Everything considered, common-sense habits are at the top of the list:
- Sit less
- Eat a balanced diet
- Eat fruit instead of unhealthy snacks
- Take regular breaks and use them properly
- Change the environment
- Communicate with your colleagues
- Keep learning
- Enjoy workations
All these tips are applicable to everyone (except, perhaps, workations). The rest is up to you and your preferences. Generally speaking, whatever brings mindfulness is a good idea, whether it is reading, yoga, swimming, or just staring into blank space while relaxing your brain cells.
Find your formula and live up to your postulates. Remember that nothing is set in stone: if you don’t like one habit or another, change them. If you’re not sure which activities will suit you best, try a couple. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting as long as you’re happy and healthy, after all.