Summer Wellness in the Office
For office workers, it’s too easy to get wrapped up in the next deadline or preparing documents for a big presentation, that we forget to prioritize our well-being. But this comes at a cost to our mental and physical well-being.
It’s important to incorporate healthy and sustainable habits in our work life, regardless of whether you’re in or out of the office. Keep on reading to learn how to take advantage of the summer months to increase wellness in the office.
- Stay active
Sitting all day at your desk can be an issue – it’s been linked to diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Moving around and getting your steps in ensure that you stay active throughout the day. If you’re in the office, take a walk during lunch or go to the nearest gym.
Alternatively, you can replace your desk in the office with a standing desk, so you stay on your feet throughout the day. Staying active, even for half an hour a day can improve brain health and reduce the risk of diseases.
- Invest in an Ergonomic Chair
One of the main issues with a desk job or any job that doesn’t require much physical movement is your posture can worsen over time if you don’t have the right chair. As a result, you build more muscle tension in your back, shoulder and neck leading to pain and aches – something no one wants to experience.
An ergonomic chair is specially designed to ensure you maintain a proper posture and comfort throughout the workday. A quality ergonomic chair allows you to adjust the placement of your arms, neck, lower back and more. For those who often have lower back issues, look for a chair that has dynamic lumbar support. The placement of the lower back support adjusts according to the amount of pressure you place on the piece – as such, it moulds itself to your body.
- Stretching
When we stay in one position for too long, tension builds in our muscles, which can decrease blood flow. Throughout the day, incorporate some stretches at your desk!
Even if you have limited time or space, a few leg and shoulder stretches can bring a lot of relief to your muscles and body. This gives your muscles more flexibility to move around and a range of motion in your joints.
- Getting Fresh Air
Some days at work are better than others. Deadlines pile on and pressure builds by the minute – regardless of how important work can be, your health should always come first. When you feel higher levels of stress at work, a 20-minute walk outdoors can do a world of wonder. Especially on these warm summer days, take advantage of the wonderful weather, blooming flowers and fresh air.
Taking a moment to breathe the fresh air into your lungs can boost your mood and lifts your spirit. And sometimes that’s all you need to take on any challenge. There’s nothing wrong with excusing yourself for a few minutes in a day to take a walk around the block or to the nearest coffee shop.
- Adding Plants to your Office
Who knew styling your office space with décor and plants can boost your well-being? Studies show that adding plants to your workspace can boost productivity, mood levels and reduce your stress. Not only does it serve as an aesthetic piece for your workspace, but it also has so many other benefits for your health.
As humans, we have an innate fascination and need to be connected with nature. Being stuck in the office or a construction site, you’re naturally separated from any green space. Scientific studies have shown that adding plants to your workspace can do so much for your mental health.
- Connecting with others
Human connection is something we all want. And work does not need to be solely work – it’s also a chance for you to connect with other co-workers, managers or people working in and around the office. Sharing a laugh or a coffee run with your co-workers can make the workspace more enjoyable.
Building these meaningful connections at work can lower your stress levels and make you feel less isolated, even on the hardest days at work. Developing that community allows you to look forward to work, more so than dreading it.
These wellness tips don’t just apply to the summer months – they are tips and strategies you can use throughout the year. Work is such a big part of our lives, but it is surely not the most important aspect of life. To be the best version of yourself in your personal and work life, taking care of your mental and physical well-being is not an option, it’s a necessity.