Health care is a hot topic these days. The wellness and personal health industry is booming. With this health care reform, many companies are looking into ways in which they can promote preventative health measures and wellness for their employees.

It is in a company’s best interest to keep their employees happy and healthy as it means fewer missed work days, greater productivity and less stress. It is this very reason why many companies are supplying their employees with ergonomic workstations.

But staying healthy at work is good for your wallet as well in the form of lower health insurance premiums and lower health care costs. So when you are sitting at work in close quarters with your fellow coworkers, it can be difficult to stay healthy.

Obutto, your source for ergonomic workstations, offers tips to staying healthy at work.

Manage Your Stress

Most of you live in a fast-paced life that feels overwhelming at times. You might work for a company that expects you to work harder for less. In order to work healthy, you need to learn how to effectively manage your stress.

This means that you need to maintain a healthy work/ home life balance. You need to find out what activities make you happy and make time for them. Whether it’s spending time with the family, a spa day or a fishing trip, so what you enjoy to help keep you healthy.

Skip the Coffee

OK, don’t panic. We aren’t saying you have to quit coffee altogether, just limit your caffeine intake. Try to avoid having more than one of two cups of coffee in the morning to avoid that caffeine crash later on.

You can also reduce the number of calories you consume by drinking your coffee without cream or sugar. It might take a few cups before you get used to the taste, but it is worth it if it keeps you healthy.

Take Breaks and Get Some Fresh Air

It is important that you get your daily dose of vitamin D by getting outdoors every day. Even on those busy days, you need to make sure you take the time to take a brisk walk around the office building at the very least. You can also sit outside at the picnic table and meditate to calm your nerves and soak up the sun.

Healthy and Light Lunches

It is a good idea to plan your meals every week, including what you are going to have for lunch. It is also much healthier to pack fresh veggies, fruit and lean protein for lunch instead of swinging through a fast food joint. A healthy lunch will leave you with lasting energy without that afternoon slump.

Avoid Sick Coworkers

This might seem a bit obvious, but it is a good idea to avoid coworkers who are coughing up a lung or sneezing all over their keyboard. You might want to also remind coworkers that it is in everybody’s best interest to stay home when you are sick.

Wash Your Hands

After you encounter a sick coworker, head straight to the bathroom and wash your hands. In fact, it is recommended that you wash your hands often during the cold and flu season. You might also want to have hand sanitizer at your workstation.

Drink More Water

Water is critical to your energy levels, productivity and overall health, so make sure you keep yourself well hydrated. Water helps you stay refreshed, alert and it promotes clear thinking. Make sure you have a water bottle at your workstation at all times.

Clean Workstation

Studies show that your workstation harbors more germs than a toilet seat. That is pretty gross. So it will benefit you if you keep your work area neat, organized and wiped down. Keep sanitizing wipes or spray at your desk and wipe down surfaces and keyboards often.

Take a Nap

If you can sneak away to your vehicle at lunch for 10 minutes of shut-eye, you will be more productive in the afternoon and it helps to keep you healthy.

Take the Stairs

Taking the stairs is a quick way to get your heart rate up, which goes a long way in keeping you healthy.

If you are interested in an ergonomic workstation, contact Obutto.