Are You Paying Enough Attention To Your Health At Work?
Most of us spend a significant amount of time at work. When you’re working away, do you pay attention to your health, or do you find that your well-being takes a back seat? If you’ve got a to-do list as long as your limbs, it can be very easy to prioritize hitting targets and meeting deadlines, but your health should come first, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. If you’re keen to boost your health, here are some simple ways to prevent work-related illnesses and injuries.
Recognize when stress levels are too high
Stress is one of the most common illnesses reported by employees. It’s natural to feel stressed when a deadline is approaching, or you’re preparing for an important meeting, but your job shouldn’t stress you out on a continual basis. If stress has become the norm, or you’re finding it increasingly difficult to manage under pressure, it’s time to do something about it. If your workload is an issue, talk to your employer, and see if it’s possible to share the load or extend timeframes. Many of us thrive on pressure, but there’s a limit to how much we can take. Self-help techniques like exercise, meditation, massage and creative activities can be beneficial, but don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need more intensive support.
Take care of your physical health while you’re at work so you have everything you need to deal with pressure when it crops up. Make sure you’re taking regular breaks so you have time away from your screen. Be sure you take any prescribed medication you need and use digital hearing care if you have hearing loss. Eat nutritious meals and drink plenty of water while at work. If you look after yourself well, you’re less likely to find minor problems stressful.
Abide by the rules
You may roll your eyes when the subject of health and safety crops up in conversation, but it’s always worth remembering that rules and regulations are there for good reason. In the workplace, everybody should feel safe. If you’ve been asked to follow certain regulations or use equipment provided by your employer, make sure you do this. If you have an accident at work that was caused by your employer’s negligence, you can seek advice from an experienced injury lawyer, but if you were at fault, you would be held liable for the accident. Take notice of warning signs, attend safety briefings, and use the relevant equipment to protect yourself.
Find the right balance
Are you a self-confessed workaholic? If you spend more time and devote more energy to your work than anything else in life, it’s beneficial to try and find a balance. It’s brilliant to enjoy your job, but work isn’t the be-all and end-all of life. If you’re working all the hours God sends, think about evening up your schedule and making more time for your friends, family, and hobbies. This will help to reduce and prevent stress and boost your mental wellbeing.
Eat well and be active
Many of us use the fact that we work long hours as an excuse for poor diets and inactivity. The reality is that it is possible to eat well and move around at work. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs and bring nutritious food to work with you so that you don’t rely on snacking, grazing or fast food. To up your calorie burns each day, you could also consider walking or cycling to work.
When you’re at work, do you give your health and wellbeing much thought? If not, it’s time to make some changes!