With summer vacation still in the back of our minds, we return to the workplace. For most people, getting back into the work rhythm takes some getting used to. How do I survive the workday without excessive snacking? What’s the best thing to drink? How do I avoid the lunch dip? Whether you’re in the office full-time or working (part-time) from home, this article lists 5 tips to keep you full of energy at work. Be sure to share these tips at the water cooler!
1. Drink enough
Is your desk filled with empty mugs or cups at the end of the day? You’re not the only one; most office workers drink an average of four cups of coffee a day, sometimes more. Not to mention the energy drinks that are sometimes knocked back. Caffeine certainly provides an energy boost, but also causes a dip just as quickly. In addition, it can cause restlessness, headaches, and palpitations. It comes as no surprise that water and tea are better for your health. Drinking enough makes you concentrate better, and it keeps your energy levels up. In addition, water is better when wearing a white shirt. If you do spill coffee, the sooner you get to it, the better you can remove it!
2. Watch what you eat
Do you regularly eat a greasy snack from the company cafeteria, or do you like to have an elaborate lunch? Then you are familiar with the infamous after lunch dip. A good way to combat this is to eat several small meals throughout the day. This keeps your digestion busy so that doesn’t have to do a lot of work all at once. Choose healthy snacks and lunches consisting of fruits, yogurt, nuts, and vegetables. In addition, homemade is generally better than quickly pulling something out of the vending machine. As annoying as it can be, it pays off to prepare your meal the night before! In the end, you have enough common sense to know what you should and shouldn’t eat. Are there five birthdays in a row at the office? Then it might be wise to turn down a few slices of cake.
3. Keep moving!
Research has shown that office workers do not move a lot during a workday. Especially during the morning hours (when everyone is still full of energy), people prefer to stay seated. Nevertheless, it is good for your digestion and circulation to move every 30 minutes. Regularly alternating between standing, walking, and sitting is best for our bodies. This seems like a lot of work but it’s easier than it seems. For example, you can occasionally get a round of drinks for your department. Don’t forget to replenish your own water regularly! Move the trash can and printer further away from your workstation. In addition, you can walk to your colleagues’ desks for short meetings. This is usually more efficient than emailing or chatting back and forth
4. Make sure you have a peaceful environment
Before you step out the door, you make sure that your office outfit looks sharp. Yet this cannot always be said of workplaces. From scattered office supplies to a growing collection of empty mugs; it is a fact: the more organized your workplace, the more productive you are. After all, you will be less bothered by distracting stimuli. There are several ways to keep your desk organized. For example, you save on paperwork by working digitally as much as you can. In addition, to-do lists are much clearer than a pile of drafts or post-it notes. Keep in mind that this is different for everyone. For example, some people are more creative in a chaotic environment. Do you find it hard to keep your workspace clean? Then schedule a weekly moment to tidy everything up properly.
5. Take frequent breaks
I need to talk to that colleague about the project quick. I really need to make a phone call to our customer. Lunch? No worries, we’ll do it behind the computer because that mail needs to be sent as soon as possible. In a dynamic job with urgent deadlines, it’s tempting to keep working between bites. Yet this is mentally taxing! Nobody can perform efficiently for 8 hours straight, no matter how well-organized we are. Breaks provides your brain a healthy reset. Clearing your head will also give you a fresh perspective on your work. So, grab your jacket or coat and take a walk around the block during lunch. You can also invite colleagues to tag along. Do you have hectic workdays? Be sure to schedule in frequent breaks!
