6 Tips For Staying Healthy While Working A Desk Job

by Marko Phillips selfemployed

A lot of people have reported gaining weight within the first few months of getting a new job. Majority of us have jobs that require us to sit still in front of our laptops and computers. This goes for almost every profession, including lawyers who do hours of research for their cases, software engineers who are creating programmes, content writers who spend all day typing up articles and even bankers who go through data day and night.

From 9-5, all we do is read, type, email and repeat, and only get up for lunchtime and tea breaks. After coming home, we’re too tired to be going to the gym and instead just lay in bed until it’s time to eat. We’re bound to be gaining weight. But here are some ways to stay healthy and keep those extra pounds off of you:

1. Healthy Diet

Drink a lot of water! Even if you’re sitting all day, keep a water bottle in front of you at all times, so you stay hydrated. It’ll reduce the constant cravings you have. Always eat healthy foods, combinations of carbs, proteins, and fats. Also, make sure never to eat while working on your computer as you don’t notice how much you’re eating and end up eating more than needed, so think of your lunch as your girlfriend and give it your undivided attention!

2. Take the Stairs or the Longer Way

Skip the elevator and take the stairs, no matter if your office is on the 16th floor. Get to work earlier so you can take your time in climbing up the stairs. Get your coworker to come with you, so you don’t get bored. This will help you start your day with an excellent exercise for your body.

3. Cycle to Work

If your office isn’t too far, take out your bicycle and helmet and cycle your way to work. It’s a great exercise that activates all the muscles in your body! The cool breeze in the morning will actually make you want to bike your way anywhere and everywhere.

4. Work while Standing Up

Now I know you like sitting on that comfy leather chair of yours, but every hour, you should get up and do your work standing up, just so your legs don’t go numb, and you stretch your legs and the rest of your body. And while you’re waiting for your file to download, just walk around in front of your desk, it’ll help.

5. Stretch or Move in Place

It’s important to not slouch in on your desk, you have to keep a straight posture, or it’ll eventually lead to a back injury. Every 15 minutes, try and stretch with light exercises, like touching your toes, shoulder shrugs, neck rotations, and even neck stretch.

6. Indulge in a Weekly Hobby

Every weekend, make sure you have a great outing planned. Something new each weekend be it hiking in the woods, going camping with your college mates, having a football game, swimming with your significant other, running by wearing right running shoes, a boot camp workout or just hitting the gym to make up for the rest of the week. Plan something that includes some cardio, because cardio is what helps you lose the gained weight. You HAVE to get your heart rate up to be able to burn those extra calories that you accumulated throughout the week!

You should try and incorporate these activities in your job for the next month, and I can assure you that you’ll see a significant change in your weight!