Want to Boost Office Productivity? Look after your Health

Today’s office environment is one where everyone is expected to not only contribute, but be seen to be making a contribution. All team members should be on top of their game, and that means being energized and ready to put in a full day, every day that they come to work. Putting forth this kind of productivity isn’t going to be easy if an employee is not feeling physically and mentally fit. Staying healthy should be a priority for anyone who wants to be known for giving their all at work. There’s a definite link between office productivity and good health, and it’s worth exploring.

The Link Between Office Productivity and Good Health

We likely spend more time with our work colleagues at the office than our family members or friends. When work is a source of stress, then it often carries over into our personal life. Being proactive about getting (and staying fit), you have to find someone who operates a personal trainer business to help you reach your goals, means you are investing in yourself in exactly the same way that a company invests in a key asset. What more precious asset do you have than your good health?

Taking good care of your health makes sense from a quality of life perspective. Being happy at work is part that quality of life. If you can take steps to improve your health and get the benefit of increased office productivity, which will help to improve your outlook on life, it makes sense to adopt these strategies.

Strategies for Good Health that Will Make you More Productive at Work

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Making conscious choices to make calories count, as in choosing to eat a diet that includes foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products, is the best option. Avoid empty calories from sugary snacks whenever possible.

While everyone treats themselves occasionally, making a habit of overindulging in these type of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods can result in:

  • Decreased ability to think clearly
  • Higher risk of depression
  • Increased levels of stress
  • Irritability
  • Lower productivity
  • Reduced energy levels
  1. Dont Skip Meals

Skipping meals, whether as a strategy to lose weight or as a means to try to be more productive, is not effective in either instance. It only leads to sluggishness and a lack of energy that will lower productivity. In order to function at its best, the body needs to be refuelled at regular intervals with nutritious foods containing vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Pack a lunch so that you don’t get stuck skipping your lunch. Keep a selection of healthy snacks on hand that you can eat throughout the day, such as fruit, almonds and low-fat granola bars.

  1. Stay Well Hydrated

Water is important for good health, and many people don’t drink enough of it. Other beverages like coffee, juice and soda can quench thirst, but aren’t as good for your health or at boosting productivity at work.

When you are dehydrated, you tend to feel tired and sluggish. To increase your productivity in the workplace, start your day by drinking a cool glass of water. You don’t have to give up drinking coffee or tea entirely; it’s a good idea to make a point of drinking a glass of water before each meal.

Carry a refillable bottle to work with you and drink from it often. You can also suggest water coolers for office. Keep in mind that if you wait until you feel thirsty to drink you are already experiencing dehydration.

  1. Start a Regular Exercise Program

Getting physical is good for your heart, lungs and muscles. While you are working out, you are also increasing blood flow to your brain and that helps to keep your powers of observation sharp. You’ll carry this improved ability to focus to the office and it will pay off in improved time management skills.

If you can fit it into your schedule, try to fit some type of physical activity into the start of your day. Take a brisk walk, or do some strength training or yoga. All of these activities will help you to perform better once you get to work.

Another benefit of regular exercise is that it will help you to make better decisions. You’ll feel more relaxed, since this is a natural stress-buster, and more of your brain will be able to focus on work tasks instead of dealing with stressors at the office.

  1. Get Enough Sleep

When you are feeling as though there aren’t enough hours in the day to get things done, it’s tempting to cut back on sleep to try to fit everything in. This would be a mistake. Sleep is essential for good health, and being sleep deprived can limit one’s cognitive functions, memory and motivation. Lack of sleep has also been linked to increased levels of irritability and decreased ability to deal with stress in the workplace.

Not only can lack of sleep affect your productivity on the job, it can also have a negative impact on your ability to get along with your coworkers and supervisors. In trying to cut corners by cutting back on your sleep to catch up on work or family responsibilities, you could be inadvertently creating the situation you don’t want, which is falling further behind and having trouble in your personal and professional relationships.

Increase Productivity and Experience Benefits in Other Aspects of Life

The things you do in your hours away from work have a direct impact on your office productivity. Taking good care of your health should be a priority so that you can enjoy all aspects of your life, including your work.

Increasing your productivity is the key to a more satisfying work life. You’ll be considered for more interesting assignments, which help to give your self-esteem a boost. As you feel better about yourself, it will be easier to make good choices about healthy eating and staying well hydrated. You’ll be less stressed overall, which should make it easier to get a good night’s sleep, and that should help you to concentrate better and have more energy at work. All of these elements work together for your good health and increased office productivity.