3 Simple Office Changes to Improve Your Health

Posted by footfidget on January 28th, 2019

When you look at the waking hours of your day, the majority of them are likely spent at work. And, for most Americans, work typically means sitting at a desk for several hours at a time. This can make it difficult to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. But there are actually many small, simple changes you can make to your work habits that can help you to lead a healthier life every day.

Switch to a Standing Desk

Sitting can cause muscles to become weaker, because you're not engaging your legs or your core to support your weight. It can also limit blood flow in your lower body. Converting to a standing desk corrects these issues, and also opens up some opportunities for simple exercises while you work, such as doing calf raises. The ability to shift your position throughout the day can also help to reduce pain and discomfort in your back.

Luckily, you don't need to invest in a brand new desk if you don't want too. You can actually convert your current desk with a simple standing desk conversion kit, which will add that extra height to help you work without that office chair.

Walk Regularly

Even if you exercise daily, that 30 minutes on the treadmill doesn't completely undo a full day's worth of sitting. Research has shown that short, regular intervals of walking throughout the day can actually have a more significant impact on your overall health. So set a timer, and stand up every hour. Walk to the break room, around the building, or just to the restroom. Try to walk for at least 5 to 10 mins. If you really want to kick up your results, do a few flights of stairs while you're up.

Put a Plant on Your Desk

Physical health is just a small part of your overall well-being. Mental health is extremely important as well, especially among office workers, who can be prone to depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that having living plants in the office can significantly improve mood and mental well-being for workers. So get yourself a small desk plant, and you might be surprised by just how much it lifts your spirits.

A healthy lifestyle isn't about fad diets or intense workouts; it's about making small, sustainable changes that help you to live a better life. So, get a plant, take a walk every hour, and look into a standing desk conversion kit. You'll be amazed at how big a difference these little changes can make.