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Surviving the Work Desk

Tuesday, October 05, 2010 by Bryan Anderson

It's might be a familiar scenario: your fingers and back hurt, fatigue has settled in and the person next to you is playing music without headphones.  You feel like you have been sitting at your desk for weeks, but realize you still have six hours left of the work day. 

Even the mosst productive workers can struggle to make it through a day in the office. Implementing some positive desk rituals may save your sanity (and your health). 

Try to avoid drowning your body with caffeine Coffee or soda may help you stay awake, but actually causes your body more stress than needed.  Caffeine also causes your body to become dehydrated.  Drinking plenty of water helps you stay awake and hydrated.  Keeping a bottle of water next to you at your desk will help you meet your daily requirements and stay alert in the process.

Separate yourself from the cubicle.  Try to get into the habit of stepping away from the desk and stretching out for a few moments.  Refilling your water bottle is a great way to stretch your limbs, and take a mental break from the computer.  If you cannot get away from the desk, try to look at a painting on the wall, and stretch out your arms.

Maintain proper hygiene.  Washing your hands after you visit restroom and avoiding sick coworkers will help your overall health.  As you know, being sick and sitting at the computer makes your day drag on that much longer.  If you do not have quick access to a sink, be sure to invest in some hand sanitizer.  Keyboards, telephones and other office equipment are breeding grounds for germs, be sure to sanitize your hands after every contact.  If you have a cough, cough into your shoulder.  Far too many people cough into their hands, (or nothing at all) which spreads germs like wild fire.  Be conscientious of other people's health too.

Use those saved vacation days.  Stress destroys your immune system, causing you to get sick more frequently.  A good way to combat that stress is to use your much deserved vacation time every now and then.  If you create an extended weekend for yourself, be sure to leave your work at the workplace.  Bringing your work home with you will add to your stress, and no one wants to be uncomfortable in their own home. 

The number of people working in office settings continues to grow.  Try to remember you have a life outside the office and you will survive your drawn out work day.  Being productive in keeping your space clean, sanitized and staying hydrated will help you get through your day with fewer rigors.  Try to take a mental and physical break from your desk by walking around or stretching those limbs.  Remember, you are in control of your comfort.  Start exercising that control.

 

Until next time -

Bryan Anderson

Switchfast Technologies
Chicago IT Support & Consulting
Rochester IT Support & Consulting
Outsourced Marketing Services

 

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