This blog is written under the assumption that 95% of people reading this do work of some sort (and yes, being a full-time stay-at-home parent certainly counts). Still, that “work” can be as varied as our Team Members & Customers come from all walks of life.
So the question becomes, what are some tips that will make you more productive – and stay mentally & physically healthy – while you’re working? Here are a few suggestions:
Food intake. Think of your body like a precision machine. What you put into it to give it the TLC to perform its best is what you’ll get out. The same applies to work time snacks and lunch. Sure, if you’ve had a tough morning, it’s tempting to order McDonalds, a “Meat Lovers” pizza, or something delicious for lunch. And you’ll enjoy it while you eat (well, not my vegetarian readers, but roll with me). However, it’s a double-whammy. Yes, there’s the weight gain and overall health issues involved with eating unhealthy foods. This has been covered in other blogs we’ve posted.
However, ALSO you have the added misery of having 4-5 hours left in your day where you just feel – for lack of a better word – blehhhh. Think about healthy snacks that you find tasty – they exist, just give it some thought. There’s also science that shows certain food serve as brain stimuli. A Harvard Health Publishing1 study cites berries, walnuts and green, leafy vegetables as examples. As for lunch, meal prep is a great way to a) save money and b) give yourself energy to roll through the rest of your day.
Reducing eye strain. This mostly applies to people with jobs that require a lot of time at the computer during work, though it can also apply if you’re a frequent after-work TV watcher or internet user. A lot of people need glasses and do not realize it until their eye strain has gotten worse. Annual physicals sometimes skip over reading an eye chart – don’t let that happen when you go for one!
Also, if possible to adjust the lighting in your work space to softer (ie less bright) conditions, do so. Taking breaks, limiting your screen time, and even artificial tears – which are available at your local pharmacy without prescription – are all helpful to be easier on your eyes!
Avoid the flu/common cold. Pre-covid, this concept was just a common sense thing. Now, your co-workers’ collective antennas will be up and you’ll be subject to testing and real dirty looks if you show up to work. Preventing the flu/cold in the first place is your first step. Annual flu shots in the fall season work great. Other methods are really common sense: washing your hands often and thoroughly, don’t touch your mouth, nose or hands with unwashed hands, and avoiding people that are sick.
There are creative ways also. You can invest in a humidifier, which has been scientifically shown to help2. Zinc, Vitamin D, and foods that contain probiotics are all cold-fighters. Finally, disinfect your cell phone regularly. Just think about the amount of items your cell comes into contact with daily. Worth your time!
Fight it and recover. If you do happen to catch a common cold or flu, this great article from the Mayo Clinic3 contains tips on how to fight it. Pay special attention to the “don’ts” section. I personally was surprised (and have been guilty of) trying some methods this article steers you away from.
– Johnny Premier, COO of Allwell
Footnotes:
1 Harvard Health Publishing – “Foods Linked to Better Brain Power” https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower
2 Sylvane.com “4 Reasons To Use a Humidifier During Flu Season” – https://www.sylvane.com/blog/4-reasons-to-use-a-humidifier-during-flu-season/
3 The Mayo Clinic “Cold Remedies: What Works, What Doesn’t, What Can’t Hurt” – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403
