Two focuses of my blog are Health/Wellness and Workplace Discussions. Depending upon the workplace, there can be hazards and dangers involved no matter how miniscule. Protecting your health is thus of the utmost importance. The following contributed post is entitled, How To Protect Your Health In The Office.
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Working in an office may seem like an easy option compared to jobs that involve lots of physical activity. However, sitting at a desk for hours every day and looking at a screen can be bad for your health and wellbeing. While physical jobs such as construction and working in a factory may present more of an immediate risk to health with an increased chance of injuries, office work brings its own risks; they are just in a more subtle form.
Protecting your health should always be a priority regardless of the industry you work in and the type of job you have. Good health is precious but often taken for granted, so actively looking for ways to take the best care of your health and wellbeing is essential, even when at work. Here are some of the ways you can help to protect your health when you work in a desk job:
Take Care of Your Eyes
Eye strain is a common problem experienced by people that spend much of their time looking at screens. Looking at a screen all day can take its toll on your eyes, leaving them feeling sore, tired, and itchy. Experiencing discomfort in your eyes can impact your productivity and may continue even when you are away from the office. Luckily, you can make office work easier on your eyes. Having your eyes checked regularly is crucial when you work in an office. An eye exam could help detect any underlying issues causing you discomfort, such as undiagnosed chronic uveitis or other eye conditions and ensure you receive treatment promptly.
You may find it helpful to adjust the brightness of your screen, as lowering the brightness level can help reduce eye strain.
Look After Your Posture
Sitting down all day can cause your posture to become hunched, which can be exacerbated if you feel tense and stressed. When at your desk for long periods, you may notice pain and stiffness in your neck and lower back.
Taking care of your posture and strengthening your core can help to alleviate some of the stiffness and discomfort associated with working at a desk throughout the day. Getting up and moving away from your desk frequently should help ease any pain caused by long periods of sitting. It is also helpful to adjust your desk set up to sit in a position that encourages good posture. Adjusting the height of your screen, keeping your mouse closer to you, and using a chair with back support can all help.
Make Time for Breaks
One of the most beneficial things you can do to protect your health in the office is to take regular breaks. Rest breaks are the best way to avoid the stiffness caused by sitting in one place for too long and will also ease the eye strain caused by looking at a screen for long periods. So, stepping outside and taking a lunch break doesn’t just break up the day; it also protects your health.
