Knowing a few basic ways to protect your mind and body from damage while working can be super helpful, especially if you work a very physical job. However, working an office job also presents physical and mental challenges.
Whatever you do to make money to support your life, do it safely. Take some time now to look at a brief overview of a few ways you can take action to protect your physical and mental health while at work.
Stretching is vital
For an office job and a more physically demanding job, it’s always good to stretch your body. Typing all day can be rough on your back, your arms, your tendons, and a job that requires you to do a lot of physical activity means you need to ready your body.
Take at least ten minutes every day before starting work to thoroughly stretch your body. Prepare your muscles and tendons to be used, and increase the elasticity in your parts.
Lifting properly is important
If your job involves lifting heavy objects, you need to know how to properly lift without hurting yourself. You may not feel the damage from an improper lift immediately, but continuous bad lifting will catch up to you.
Remember to bend with your knees when you’re lifting a heavy object. Lift heavy objects while holding them close to your body, and instead of using your back/arms to lift the weight up, use your legs.
Get your blood pumping
If you sit in an office chair for eight hours a day, you need to take a few moments several times a shift to get your blood moving. Every hour, try to stand up and move around a bit.
Sitting stagnant for too long isn’t good for your heart. Depending on the shape of your body, you can also put yourself at a higher risk of developing blood clots in your legs.
Take some quiet time on your break
It’s important to keep your mind and attitude positive and centered throughout your work day, so you can work at your highest potential.
It’s good to take some time during your break to recenter your mind and body. Find a quiet place to unwind a bit, and head back to work refreshed when your break time is over.
Bring a healthy lunch
The food you eat has a huge impact on the wellness of your mind and body. You need your mind to stay sharp throughout the work day, and what you eat on break will affect how you feel.
Make sure you’re packing yourself a lunch that will nourish your mind and body, so your work day won’t feel as much like work.