{"id":820,"date":"2012-03-28T14:42:44","date_gmt":"2012-03-28T13:42:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.egeve.com\/up\/wordpress\/2012\/03\/28\/refresh-your-work-day-by-following-these-steps\/"},"modified":"2022-10-29T12:39:47","modified_gmt":"2022-10-29T11:39:47","slug":"refresh-your-work-day-by-following-these-steps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.egeve.com\/en\/refresh-your-work-day-by-following-these-steps\/","title":{"rendered":"Refresh Your Work Day By Following These Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Feeling tired, disorganised, anxious or tense in the workplace? Then try following 10 ways to make your work day healthier!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Declutter your desk<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A clean, uncluttered working space is far more conducive to a productive day than a desk piled high with files, dirty mugs and scraps of paper. Depending on how bad the situation is, put aside five minutes to an hour (or even a whole day, if possible!) to clear up your desk, wipe your keyboard clean and organise your files and papers. You\u2019ll feel a lot more clearheaded when you do so, and you won\u2019t constantly be igniting stress levels by having to look for important things that have disappeared under the rubble.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Go green!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain plants can help absorb the pollutants emitted by office carpets, MDF, paint and anti-stain treated fabrics \u2014 such as formaldehyde, benzene and trichorethylene. Spider plants, peace lilies, golden pothos and goosefoot plants are all effective varieties. Also, fresh-cut flowers brighten the office \u2014 and therefore brighten your mood! \u2014 and can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. Take a break<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chiropractors recommend getting up to stretch and walk around at least every 40 minutes to prevent joint pain, muscular tension and eye strain. It\u2019s also good for your productivity: breaking a long spell of concentration by changing position, taking a few deep breaths and focusing on something else for a moment can help to recharge you for the next bout of work.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Get ventilation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us don\u2019t have the luxury of working next to an open window \u2014 especially as some companies prefer to keep the windows firmly sealed and pump the place with air conditioning! But if you do have the choice, work in a well-ventilated area with as much natural light as possible. If your options are limited, though, install a plug-in ioniser to help improve the air quality. Ionisers are available from department stores and larger chemists. Also, ensure you get out of the office for at least 20 minutes every day, regardless of your office set-up.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Pack your lunch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not impossible to get healthy snacks and lunches in the deli or cafe, but the temptation to go for a mayonnaise-laden sandwich can be quite strong after a stressful morning! The cost of regular trips to the nearest coffee house or pastry shop can add up, too. So, try to take a packed lunch instead of buying your lunch. However, if a packed lunch doesn\u2019t appeal (perhaps you like to eat out with colleagues or friends), you could still stock your desk drawer with healthy snacks such as dried fruit, nuts, apples and pears, rice cakes and crackers. You could also take your own non-caffeinated tea, coffee or herbal tea supply.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Switch off<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t leave computers, faxes, phone chargers and photocopiers switched on all the time \u2014 all electrical equipment emits electro-magnetic fields, and there is some evidence that these are linked with sub-optimal health and conditions such as insomnia, headaches and anxiety. Also, you should make sure you switch things off anyway if you don\u2019t need them for long periods, as it can save on the company\u2019s electricity bill (or yours, if you work at home!).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Get personal<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Chinese art of Feng Shui, it\u2019s good to place something that reminds you of the non-work-related aspect of your life on the left-hand side of your desk \u2014 such as a beautiful print, or a holiday souvenir. Photos of loved ones should sit in the middle and top right-hand corners \u2014 but don\u2019t overdo the family gallery, otherwise you\u2019ll be too distracted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Drink more<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An air-conditioned office is very drying \u2014 so ensure you stay well hydrated. This doesn\u2019t mean guzzling down endless cups of canteen tea and coffee; it means drinking enough water! Each time you go to the water fountain, get yourself two cups instead of one. This way, you\u2019ll definitely stay well hydrated throughout the day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Sort out your workstation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

50 per cent of computer workers who also use a telephone for at least two hours a day report neck pain, while 31 per cent report lower back pain. A poor workstation set-up is often the culprit. A chair that is too low or high, a screen that is too small or set too low, a desk too narrow to support your forearms \u2026 all of these contribute to aches and pains in the workplace. Both feet should be flat on the floor, your thighs supported by the chair and your spine straight. Your shoulders should be relaxed, with arms bent to a right angle and forearms supported on the desk. Keep your wrists relaxed while you are typing. Also, regular phone users should have a head set, rather than having to cradle the receiver between their ear and shoulder. If you are suffering from any pain or discomfort at work, ask your employers (or consider paying for it yourself, if you are self-employed) about having a workstation assessment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Ease your eyes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you work on a computer, you will be spending long periods of time focusing on something at a fixed distance straight in front of you. To relax your eyes, regularly focus on something much further away (ideally, out of a window) and at things to your left and right. Also, roll your eyes from side to side. Another soothing exercise is to cup your hands over your eyes so that no light whatsoever can get in for a few moments. Repeat these exercises throughout the day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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