In the past couple of years, we’ve learned that staying well at work is very important. Since people spend most of their waking hours at work, it’s a good idea to review good health practices regularly.
- Get preventive screenings and vaccinations when appropriate. According to the CDC (The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to avoid getting seasonal flu.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid others who are sick whenever possible.
- Know your workplace sick leave policies.
- Use alternatives, such as working from home or conducting meetings via video, to avoid exposure to illness.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice good workplace hygiene.
- Wash your hands often. The use of antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizer may provide benefits in killing germs.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects, like doorknobs, desks, railings, computer keyboards, and phones.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Be physically active. If you work at a desk, you should get up and move every 30 minutes. Also, exercise your eyes by looking away from screens or desk work. If your job is labor-intensive, you should be aware of ergonomics and safety, and you should stretch regularly.
- Manage your stress. Be aware of your stressors and find coping skills that can help work through them.
- Take time to breathe or meditate.
- Plan and prioritize.
- Acknowledge what you can and can’t control.
- Limit interruptions.
- Take a break.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Be aware of how much coffee or other caffeinated drinks you consume. Use a regularly timed trip to the water cooler as a way to take a quick activity break.
- Eat nutritious food. Avoid the workplace break room treats like donuts, sugary sodas, and other sweets or snacks.
- Avoid eating at your desk. If you can gather in a breakroom, use this as a time to enjoy the company of others. If you can’t gather, then get up and move around during your lunch instead of staying in place.
Most importantly, regardless of what job you hold, you should listen to your body for signs that it needs some attention and keep your mental attitude positive. Both go a long way toward keeping you healthy.
