8 reasons why you should stay healthy at work

Keeping the employees and managers healthy and active at their workplace will promote a healthy work environment while also enhancing their work performance.
Being successful at work can sometimes require a lot of energy, focus, commitment, dedication and time. Being your best professional self also requires that you take care of your health, therefore, it is recommended to practice a healthier lifestyle at work for a better health and a more professional performance. When the employees or managers eat healthy, they are helping their brains, mind, and bodies to function better.

Here are some advantages of the importance of eating healthy and staying active at work

 

• One of the most important benefits of being active at your workplace and eating healthy is that the employees will less likely have sick days. This is because healthy food boosts the immunity, therefore making it less likely to catch any diseases. In addition, people with healthier lifestyles are more likely to recover fast from their illness than people with an unhealthy and inactive lifestyle.

 

• Eating healthy is known to boost the energy levels, improve the memory, increase concentration, and the overall brain function. Food high in antioxidants, vitamins D, C, and E, curcumin, turmeric, omega 3 fatty acids, and fish, help new brain cells to grow. Not to fail to mention the importance of flavonoids found in dark chocolate, and how it could boost the energy levels and enhance the mood, at the right portions.

 

• A group of researchers in 2016 found that diets high in refined carbohydrates and high in glycemic index (such as candy, cookies, biscuits, beverages with high sugar level) may lead to depression and fatigue, which will most likely affect the employees work performances.

 

• Stress is another factor that can negatively impact a workplace. Employees or managers that are stressed are more likely to take wrong decisions or actions that would negatively impact their business or company. Healthy fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, avocados, strawberries, bananas, and blueberries are known to boost serotonin and dopamine levels in your body which would help improve mood levels and reduce the stress hormone. In order to decrease your stress levels at work, it is recommended to talk short walks, join yoga sessions, conduct stress consultations for the staff, or conduct social support groups, in order to enforce a healthy and peaceful workplace and ensure a healthy work environment.

 

• The human brain is composed of approximately 75% of water. A study conducted by Betsy mills in January 2020 demonstrates that dehydration may cause the brain cells to shrink in size and mass, which could cause higher risk of dementia and could also trigger headaches or migraines. Drinking approximately 8 to 10 glasses of water will help to decrease stress and anxiety levels, boost mood levels, and increase the blood flow into the brain, which would enhance the employee’s cognitive functions. It is recommended to discourage the consumption of sugary drinks, processed juice, and the abuse of caffeinated drinks, and to always remember that it is always better to eat your calories rather than drink them.

 

• Being healthy is not only by eating healthy food, but by also practicing a healthy lifestyle. Taking short walks around the desk, using the stairs instead of elevators, and trying to be active during short breaks are all ways that could help one become active and healthy during work, thus helping to nurture the brain cells, and increasing the work performance and productivity.

 

• To sum it all up, always remember to eat a healthy and balanced lunch with the right portions that suit your body. Make sure that the meal contains carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vegetables. If either you prepare your meals at home or order your lunch, try to include grilled protein with bread and boiled vegetables.

 

• Listen to your body and when you feel hungry pause, start by drinking water, eat your salad and then take your snacks.

Stay healthy, be productive, and try to become a role model.
Your work needs you…

“Listen to your body, have a good relationship with food and be a mindful eater”. – Carina Youssef, LD