​6 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy as You Head Back to Work

Whether you’re a teacher going back to work after the summer or you’re finally heading back to the office after working remotely for some time, going back to work can be quite an adjustment – for your mental and physical health.

All of the germs that you are now exposed to in the workplace, coupled with the fact that we are entering cold and flu season, can make sickness seem inevitable.

IonLoop is here to offer you some tips and tricks for keeping healthy at your desk job – so you can save up those sick days for well deserved vacations.

Your Posture Matters

When you are sitting at a desk for eight hours -- or more! -- every day, the way you're sitting probably seems to be the least of your worries. But it matters more to your physical and mental health than you might think.

According to the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, having poor posture can lead to physical problems like muscle strain and joint, back, and neck pain, which can cause fatigue, making necessary movements feel exhausting and uncomfortable.

Good posture means you sit up with your back straight and shoulders back. While we know it can be hard to maintain this correct sitting position, once you are aware of it, you can begin to practice. The more you do it, the more it will become second nature for your body.

Ergonomic Furniture is a Great Investment

While the price tag can be a bit overwhelming, your body will thank you for investing in ergonomic furniture.

Ergonomic equipment is designed to assist you in what feels natural and good for you. While classic desk chairs have limited positions that you can sit comfortably in, an ergonomic chair allows for adjustability so you can be comfortable regardless of height, angle, or position.

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to looking at ergonomic furniture, NBC news recently featured a few of the best ergonomic office chairs – according to experts.

Adjust Your Screen

Take note of the position of your computer monitor and screen.

Do you have to tilt your head slightly upward when working?

What about looking down? You should keep your monitor so it is directly in your line of sight to avoid neck and shoulder strain.

If you’re going to be working for multiple hours at a time, looking at an angle can do some serious damage to the muscles in your neck and shoulders.

You might also try out a pair of blue light glasses to help minimize the negative effects that screens can have on your eyes, especially when staring at them for long periods of time.

Routinely Take Breaks

It is important that you take breaks regularly.

These needn’t be long breaks; in fact, just five to ten minutes of walking around, deep breathing, or simply stretching can help you significantly. Try to get up and move around every 30 minutes or so to prevent staying in the same posture for a long period of time.

Hydration and Healthy Snacking

Snacking can help keep you comfortable between meals while also stabilizing your blood sugar and giving you the energy you need to power through the day.

But it is important to recognize that not all snacks are going to leave you with those same good feelings. Processed snacks don’t have the nutrients that your body needs to function properly.

Reach for snacks that contain proteins, high-quality fats, and carbs. These components are what your body needs to keep you focused and doing your best work all day long. Some great snack suggestions are: Greek yogurt, fruit, vegetables, nuts, or peanut butter.

It is also just as important to remain hydrated during the day. Bring a water bottle with you to work and make sure you are drinking at least the minimum daily intake that your body needs.

Looking For Added Immune Support?

Our number one suggestion as always is to utilize the power of negative ions to give you added immune system support.

Staying healthy behind a computer is possible with these helpful tips, but don’t forget the positive effects that negative ions can give you.

Research has shown that negative ions can actually help improve our immune system while combating the harmful effects of positive ions, which are abundant in most workplaces.