Eight Healthy Ways to Be Well at Work

Avoid working long stretches without getting up to move and stretch. Your mind needs the break as much as your body. Use your breaks to release tension and unfocus for a while.

It’s tempting to cave when someone puts a bag of candy in the break room, but you’ll notice that if you choose healthy snacks instead, you’ll be more focused and energetic for the day. Not to mention, your waistline will thank you.

Strong social relationships make you happier and healthier. (1) Stop by a coworker’s desk to say hi or invite a group to lunch. These little interactions can improve satisfaction and decrease stress at work.

Your eyes become tense when focusing on close things such as a computer screen for long stretches. You also blink less when looking at a screen leading to dryness. (2) The American Optometric Association recommends at least 15 minutes of eye rest for every 2 hours spent on the screen.

Having a bit of greenery in the office can increase workplace satisfaction, heighten focus, and naturally improve air quality. (3)

Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best. Coffee and tea both are mostly water, but plain water remains the best way to hydrate. Even mild dehydration can impact your brain’s ability to focus, so drink up. (4)

An estimated 40% of workers don’t take vacations regularly. (5) This can have long-term impacts on health and lead to burnout. Taking a vacation leads to improved feelings of well-being and greater productivity. (6)

Often work is such a busy space that it is hard to observe how the body and mind are feeling. Take time to stop, close your eyes and watch your breath. Check-in with any areas of tension in the body. Acknowledging how you are feeling will help you make better choices for your wellness moving forward.