If you work in an office setting where you don’t have to move around much during the day, you might find it difficult to get exercise into your day. However, learning to stay healthy with a desk job isn’t just about exercise. Your diet is a huge contributing factor to your overall wellness. And additionally, your mental health is very important too. You can take care of your mind and body by following the tips below.
How to Stay Healthy With a Desk Job: Tips for Staying Fit
Mental Health
One part of trying to stay healthy with a desk job is tending to your mental health. It can be difficult to look at a computer screen all day without much interaction. If you work in an office with other people, try to take short breaks throughout the day to walk around the office and say hello to other employees. Even a friendly smile can brighten your day. Try to schedule lunch with a friend to give yourself a nice distraction from the workday.
Dietary Health
Dietary health is important for your overall wellness and is a key factor in trying to stay healthy with a desk job. There are many types of diets and fads out there. Ultimately, the best diet is the one that you feel that you can stick to long-term. You should try to look at dietary changes as a lifestyle change. Try to incorporate healthy fruits, veggies, and proteins while limiting sugar and empty carbohydrates. If your office has vending machines, try to bring your own healthy snacks. If you and your co-workers go out for lunch, try to plan ahead of time and figure out a healthy option for yourself so you won’t be tempted to follow suit if everybody else orders fattening food.
Physical Health
Finally, the most difficult part of trying to stay healthy while working a desk job is fitting physical exercise into your day. It’s difficult to find the motivation to go to the gym if you are gone most of the day at work. However, if you pack a gym bag and go straight from work you won’t have the chance to get home and lose motivation. You can also get little bits of exercise throughout the day to break up long periods of sitting still. You can take short walks around the office periodically, or make sure to always take the stairs. In addition, you can find small movements to do at your desk while you work like ab and rear end clenches and leg lifts. You can also park further away from the office to get some extra steps in.
Finding ways to fit exercise, healthy snacks, and socialization into your day will go a long way towards helping you stay healthy while working a desk job. It’s important to remember that health is more than just exercise. You need to take care of your body and mind in order to lead a less stressed-out life. Staying healthy will make you happier and more productive in the long run.