Even if you consider yourself to be a fairly healthy person, there are a few very common office habits that could be harming your health. If you do any of the following things on a regular basis, you might want to reconsider; they could have negative effects on your day-to-day health that you aren’t aware of.
Slouching And Poor Posture
About 50% of all working Americans report back pain symptoms each year. If your desk chair isn’t in the right position, you could be setting yourself up for worsening joint pain and other joint-related problems. Arthritis and joint diseases, one common type of chronic inflammation, affects 350 million people around the world and 43 million people in the United States. To avoid joint issues in the office, ensure you’re sitting properly and maintaining good posture while at your desk.
Drinking Too Much Coffee
While the extra caffeine might be good to help you start your day, it could be damaging your teeth. Coffee and tea both stain your teeth, which can make your smile look dirtier and less healthy than it actually is. According to an AACD survey, almost every adult (99.7%) believes a healthy smile is socially important. Additionally, 75% of people believe that an unattractive smile can negatively influence a person’s career — so make sure you avoid coffee and other staining drinks to keep your smile bright.
Staring At Screens
Ever notice that you get a headache after a long day at the office? It could be because you’re straining your eyes by staring at the screen for too long. Blue light can be harmful to your eyes, so take breaks throughout the day to give your eyes a rest, especially if you are looking at data all day. Even just looking away for a few seconds at a time can help.
Sitting Too Much
You might have a lot of work to do at your desk, but if you aren’t getting up and moving, you could be ultimately doing damage to your muscles and joints. Take walks throughout the day away from your desk and stay moving; this will keep you from feeling stiff and sore by the end of the day from sitting too much.
Eating At Your Desk
Lunch breaks are important for more than just your stress levels. Eating at your desk dramatically increases your exposure to bacteria and germs. If you do have to eat at your desk, keep hand sanitizer near you and keep your desk as clean as possible. You’ll stay healthier and have to take less sick time for colds and flus. More importantly, a lunch break is a social outlet. Restaurant based Food and drink sales, in the United States, is forecasted to exceed $683 billion. It’s not just food people are buying, it’s the entire social experience. Taking a break from work and socializing can keep you fresh and focused.
They might not seem like a big deal, but these little habits can all add up to worsen your health. Making a few simple changes to your daily habits can help improve your health while you’re in the office.
