subject: A Healthy Work Environment Means A Healthier You [print this page] Do you work the regular 8-hour shift? If you do, you chalk up 2,080 hours a year in the office. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves in a situation where we are burdened by work-related stress but have little or no time to deal with it positively. When the motivation and morale levels are low, then clearly your work environment is not the most conducive to productivity. Serious changes are in order.
If you think about it, you spend most of your time during weekdays at work. Thus, the atmosphere in your workplace significantly affects not only your physical but your emotional and mental health as well. Just imagine how much damage a negative work atmosphere can do to your overall well-being.
Everyone experiences some form of workplace stress although some certainly have more of it than others. People miss work due to health conditions triggered by stress while the company bears the health care costs and suffers loss of performance. Everytime you feel stressed out at work, you need to take time out and do some deep breathing. Do these several times before going back to what you were doing.
Doing something physical is probably the greatest way to de-stress. With a little creativity, you can incorporate some exercises into your routine at work. For example, you can go on a 10-minute vigorous walk during your lunch hour. You can also get up from your desk every hour to stretch your legs or take a quick walk down the hall. Although these activities are a far cry from what you can do in the gym, they can still make a difference.
You can also examine the kinds of foods you eat. Are you providing your body with the nutrients it needs to be in good condition, or are you just eating fatty and sugary foods? You need to be nutritionally equipped to face the challenges of being in a stressful workplace by improving your diet. Pack yourself a healthy lunch and snacks. This will keep you from raiding the vending machines that offer mostly high calorie, high sugar treats. It is also important to lessen your consumption of drinks that contain caffeine. Go for pure water instead.
Give your workspace a new look. Take out the clutter and organize everything. It is more inspiring to work when one does not have to negotiate piles of junk. Remember however that in re-doing your workspace, you should make it in such a way that you would be motivated to get things done and not to doze off so be careful about making it too comfortable either.
When you are in a situation where you want to explode, chill out. Take time to listen. Assertiveness has its place but in situations where the tension level is high, it is more prudent to zip your lips. It is impossible to be in control of every situation although you can certainly control how you react to them. The kind of people you hang around with also has a big influence on you. Stay away from grouches and grumblers. Seek out positive and optimistic people who are easy to be with. Not only will you feel lighter, but you will be motivated as well.
If you see your workplace stress as beyond repair, perhaps it is time to switch jobs or start on a new career. There are actually jobs where the stress level does not get overwhelming. Below is a list of the Top 10 Healthiest Jobs.
