Staying healthy at work can be a struggle. Working in close quarters with others, coupled with the general mental and physical strain of work can do a number on your body. Keeping yourself healthy means fewer missed workdays, greater productivity and lower health care costs. Here are 10 tips to help keep you feeling strong and healthy from one of the leading staffing agencies in Houston TX.

Bring your own lunch and healthy snacks.

Getting your meals and snacks day in and day out from the vending machine or even the company cafeteria isn’t the healthiest option. And if you’re short on time, eating out limits you to fast food restaurants, which don’t generally boast a healthy, nutritious menu. Plan ahead and pack healthy meals and snacks to bring from home. Fresh fruits and protein snacks, such as cheese or a bag of almonds make great energy-boosting snacks you can keep at your desk or in the staff fridge.

Drink plenty of water.

Not only is it hydrating, drinking water can calm your nerves and ground your mental state. Keep a reusable water bottle at your desk and aim to drink it and refill it several times a day. Staying well-hydrated can also help you ward off common illnesses that are often passed around the work place.

Focus on good hygiene.

Working in close quarters with others can make you more susceptible to illness. To help combat the germs spread around the office, wash your hands often, keep your workspace clean, keep hand sanitizer at your desk and avoid others who are showing symptoms of illness.

Practice good computer habits.

If you spend your work day on the computer, it’s important to practice healthy computer habits, such as proper posture and ergonomics to help prevent pain in your shoulders, neck, back, elbows and wrists. Sit up straight and keep your computer positioned at eye level. Adjust your workstation so you can easily and comfortably reach your keyboard and mouse. You also need to give your eyes a break. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, focus your eyes on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to help prevent eye strain.

Stand up.

Sitting at your desk for your entire work shift isn’t healthy for your back, neck or energy levels. If you have access to a standing desk or a counter-height workspace, stand up to work for at least 30 minutes. If standing up to work isn’t possible, at least make a point to get up and stretch your muscles for a few minutes every hour.

Move.

Squeeze a workout into your lunch break or hold walking meetings to get out of your chair and get your blood flowing during the day. Holding walking meetings, rather than gathering in a conference room may even improve your creative thinking. If it’s a workout you’re looking for but you don’t have an onsite fitness center, lace up your sneakers and go for a brisk walk outside, or spend 15-20 minutes walking the stairs. Exercise increases endorphins, which reduces stress and makes you feel better overall.

Get some fresh air.

If your job allows some flexibility, take your laptop outside to the courtyard or a nearby park for a change of scenery. Being in nature reduces stress, boosts creativity and can even increase productivity. Getting a good dose of vitamin D and fresh air daily will also boost your immune system, helping to keep you healthy.

Take note of moments of happiness.

There is plenty of stress and negativity swirling around the workplace. When you’re feeling happy or joyful, take a few moments to write it down in a journal and soak up those positive emotions. A 2006 study found that people who took note of their positive experiences had greater feelings of satisfaction.

Some illnesses may not be avoided but by being proactive with these tips, you can help reduce your risk of getting sick and missing work.

If you are a company looking for the right employees to fill your positions, contact Staff Force, the best of staffing agencies in Houston TX, and let us help you with your staffing search.