A better work day, from start to finish

Poor physical and mental health not only puts us at greater risk of illness and chronic health conditions, it also impairs our ability to concentrate and perform at work. In fact, unhealthy workers are nearly three times less productive than healthy workers¹.

With so many of us working long hours and leading busy lives, it can be hard to find the time to exercise after work, or prepare a healthy meal – but it’s important to prioritise your health.

So with more than half of our waking hours spent at work, how can we use this time to better our health?

Here are some simple ways you can improve your health and wellbeing – and boost your performance and productivity – while at work.

1. Eat well and snack mindfully

Start the day with breakfast. Eating breakfast is vital for workplace success. A healthy breakfast helps you think clearer and improves your concentration. It also gives you more sustained energy throughout the work day.

Bring your own lunch and snacks to work too. This helps you control the type of food you eat, and means you have one less decision to make during your work day. If you find it hard to find time to make your own healthy lunch, aim to at least bring snacks such as fruit, vegetables and nuts.

2. Make the most of your commute

Could your daily commute could be doing harm to your health? If you have a short enough commute to tackle it on foot, why not kill two birds with one stone and hit the pavement or ride a bike. For everyone else, your commute might not be doing your body any favours, but you can certainly use the time to better your mind. Set personal goals, or practice mindfulness with the help of a guided meditation app. Or you could just try to relax your mind by chilling out with a good book or podcast.

3. Work your employer’s health benefits

Many workplaces offer incentives to help keep their staff healthy – from free flu vaccinations, standing desks, and corporate sport activities and social groups, and even discounted private health cover. Find out what type of health benefits your employer offers and use them.

4. Protect your eyes

If you work in an office, it’s important to take regular breaks away from a screen. Aim for five minutes every hour. It’s also important to sit at an appropriate distance from the computer screen – about an arm’s length and adjust your screen settings to where your eyes feel most comfortable. Have a check with your optometrist if you experience any eye problems when using computers.

5. Take your lunch break

It’s important to take your lunch break when you can. Having a break during the day is beneficial for your mental health and wellbeing, and it’s also a good opportunity to get active. So instead of eating at your desk or sitting down in the kitchen area for your whole lunchbreak, go outside for a walk and enjoy the benefits of exposing yourself to natural light.

6. Keep moving

Don’t have time for a proper lunch break? Remind yourself to take short breaks regularly to stretch and get up and move. You don’t have to go for long – just make sure you take a 5-10 minute break a couple of times throughout the day. Not only will it get you moving, it will help clear your head, so you go back to work feeling a bit more refreshed.