10 Ways to Make Sure Your Desk Job Doesn't Kill You

These ten ways to make sure your desk job doesn’t kill you involve taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It is common to lose yourself in your job. During tough economic times, it seems employers ask 110% from their workers. Stress and a sedentary life can lead to obesity, depression, and a myriad of other health problems. Focusing on your body, mind, and emotions can help you become a healthier and happier worker.

Physical

Desk jobs can take a toll on your body. Many people complain about gaining weight, spider veins, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Sitting for hours at a time, staring at a computer screen, is draining. You can combat these problems through a regular exercise routine, proper diet, and an ergonomically correct workstation.

Develop a regular exercise routine. It will keep your metabolism from slowing down. A fitness regimen can tone your muscles, lower your LDL cholesterol, strengthen your cardiovascular system, and decrease the possibility of stroke. Yoga, walking, weight-training, and Zumba are popular ways to prevent weight gain.

Eat nutritious food. It seems every office has a vending machine stocked with candy, chips, and soda. Avoid eating from a machine. Instead, bring healthy snacks and meals from home. Instant oatmeal, microwave popcorn, and canned fruit are perfect snacks for the office. Bring steamed meals or low-calorie soups for lunch.

Only eat microwave dinners as a last resort. They often have lots of sodium, fat, and calories.

Your workstation should be ergonomically correct. Employers usually have information about proper posture and positioning of your arms, hands, and legs. You should be able to sit upright, with your elbows at a 100-degree angle as you reach the keyboard. Your desk should have mouse and keyboard pads. An anti-glare screen will help you avoid eyestrain. Stand and stretch your body periodically to avoid tendon and muscle injuries.

Mental

Your desk job may become your second home. Full-time workers spend a majority of their day in their cubicles. Some employees feel closer to their co-workers than their own family. Optimize your work environment by decorating it with personal items. Inspirational messages and relaxing music can remind you that stress is optional.

Decorate your desk. Personalizing your cubicle will make you feel comfortable. Pictures of loved ones and pets can cheer you up during a tough day. Credentials, degrees, and paperweights are also appropriate. Remember that this is a business environment. Avoid outlandish decorations and toys.

Listen to your favorite music or radio station through headphones. Many employers allow workers to stream music through the Internet, as long as it is not disruptive. Pandora and Spotify are two ways you can listen to digital music. You could also listen to songs through an Mp3 player, iPhone, or other audio device.

Read inspirational messages. Motivational desktop accessories, such as note cubes, clocks, and calendars are a fun way to keep a positive outlook. When people stop to chat with you, they can benefit from the uplifting messages. Successories has an array of planners, mousepads, and travel mugs for a reasonable price. You can find these products through their online store.

Emotional

Balancing work with a personal life is challenging. People often base their identities on their jobs. They have a difficult time establishing boundaries, planning goals, and prioritizing their lives. Developing strong personal ties with friends and your community will remind you of your priorities.

Create short and long-term goals. Thinking about your dreams will give you a sense of purpose. Mapping them out on paper makes your goals seem real. You can view your desk job as the next step in your career. Make a six-month and one-year plan. Take a moment to consider your future life, without limitations. Figure out a way to make your vision a reality.

Setting boundaries is one of the trickiest skills for any employee. You cannot turn off your cellphone when your company needs you to be on-call at night or weekends. Regardless of your occupation, find a way to separate from your job. Carve out time where you can reconnect with yourself. Remember that you are more important than your obligations.

Develop friendships away from your job. Career-oriented people tend to focus all of their energy into networking. They forget that it is good to know people who have different interests. Cultivate new hobbies. It will help you relax and regain your perspective.

Becoming involved with your community will help you feel good about yourself. Workers become burned out when their only source of self-esteem comes from their jobs. Attend a community event or volunteer at a local nonprofit. It will give you a sense of belonging outside of your company.