The workplace – where we spend the majority of the hours when we are awake – is a hotbed for bacteria. Many of us don’t give much thought about office cleanliness, but there are few things you can do to make your workplace better for your health and wellbeing.
Give your keyboard a weekly wipe-down
A notorious harvester of dirt, your keyboard attracts more than 3,295 bacteria a square inch. Avoid this by shaking and wiping your keyboard on a weekly basis.
Maintain good posture
Most employees who use computers stare into their screens for hours. This means they stretch their neck forward, which puts pressure on the neck and the spine. Maintaining good posture all day requires conscious effort, but it is worth it.
Drink water
It sounds basic, but it’s important to stay hydrated at work. It’s estimated that the average worker operates at only 65 per cent of his or her full potential if they aren’t properly hydrated. It is always a good idea to drink between 6 and 8 glasses of water per day. Depending on the level of physical activity and the climate, you may need to consume even more. Eating fresh fruit is also a great way to beat dehydration.
Find ways to exercise in the office
People need an average of an hour of exercise a day to stay healthy, but if you’re chained to your desk, this might seem challenging. Exercise by getting off the tube a station earlier and walking part of the journey or take your time after work and walk 30 minutes before catching the bus.
Find ways to exercise during the lunch break
A bit harder, but definitely not impossible: take your lunch break to hit the gym or do some yoga. We bet there are plenty of sports clubs around the place where you work, but you never noticed them. Google will be happy to help you find your next sports destination.