Right now, health and taking good care of your mind and body are more important than ever! Without good mental and physical health, there is simply little happiness and satisfaction in life.

For a medical office manager, maintaining good health is even more challenging because of excessive workloads and high-stress levels. Moreover, corporate employees spend most of their time sitting, which is very harmful to health.

It is easy to blame unhealthy lifestyle choices on hectic schedules and the lack of energy after a long workday. But excuses are not going to improve your health, so it is essential that you take steps to improve your health, even while at work. Keep reading for six life hacks to make sure you stay healthy at work!

Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for the optimal functioning of our bodies. It also helps to release toxins and other waste products from our bodies. So, staying hydrated needs to be your number one priority while you are at work. However, when we are overwhelmed with work, it is hard to keep track of the amount of water you drink throughout the day, and sometimes hours can go by without a sip.

Make it a point to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. You can set reminders or carry special water bottles to make sure you reach this goal. Be sure to take a water bottle wherever you go to keep dehydration at bay.

Instead of looking at the daunting task of drinking eight glasses or 64 ounces a day, it is more attainable but by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Check out this clever hack that will get you drinking more water throughout your workday!

Eat Healthy

The most important thing to do to stay healthy is to eat healthily, but this is not as simple as it seems. Eating healthy can be difficult for busy medical office managers as they get swamped throughout the day, and you don’t find the time to eat. Usually, these days the easiest thing to do is chip in on the office fast food fun. Not to mention it is hard to resist the temptation of delicious but unhealthy foods brought in by co-workers.

To curb the temptation of unhealthy fast food runs or munching on breakroom cookies for lunch, pre-make healthy and satisfying lunches, and bring them to work.

[Check out these six healthy lunch recipe ideas from NORM here!]

Chances are if there is lunch waiting, you will eat it instead of being tempted by something else. Freshly made meals with healthy ingredients will satisfy hunger cravings while improving health and saving money. Also, try to keep healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, etc. at your desk to munch on throughout the day.

GET MOVING!

From strengthening muscles to boosting the immune system, regular exercise keeps us physically and mentally fit. In fact, it also reduces stress, boosts mood, and keeps us feeling young! Even though it is tough for office managers to make time for consistent exercise, it is a good idea to implement some movement in your daily work routine. Some tips include:

• If your office is situated in a multi-storied building, you can take the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Ride a bicycle to work instead of driving.
• You can do many exercises at your desk to stay fit, which are specially designed to be done in an office setting.
• Park far away, so you get more steps in on your way to the door.
• Go walking at lunch and bring a buddy to keep you accountable!
• Get up out of your seat several times throughout the day.

We know workplace distractions can ruin the best of intentions, so set a reminder on your desktop or phone, so you have no excuse not to get yourself moving.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Good personal hygiene impacts your health and the health of those around you too. Neglecting it may cause many health problems, especially during cold and flu season, and amid a global pandemic.

You can start by keeping your workstation clean and organized. Keep some antibacterial wipes handy and clean it every morning so that you work in a neat and sanitized workspace every day.

Make sure you are washing your hands for the CDC required amount of time and keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer at your desk so that you don’t have to go to the bathroom to wash your hands every time you need to freshen up. Be sure to follow other COVID-19 safety precautions such as:

• Avoiding close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect regularly.
• Monitor daily health.

Stay Positive

Keeping a positive mindset in every situation will have a beneficial impact on your physical health and mental wellbeing. It can help ward off tension and stress and can boost the immune system as well.

Train your mind to be optimistic and make it a point to be grateful for little things that happen every day. To benefit the most from your gratitude, make it a habit through focused practice.

Plan to write down at least three things you’re grateful for when you get to your desk every morning. Working in a medical office definitely has its challenges; you are busy, probably stretched thin, and may have had to deal with a grumpy patient. But you have a job, you're physically and mentally able to work, and you probably have at least one favorite co-worker.

Stretch it Out

You are probably already well aware that sitting at a desk and typing all day can cause all sorts of aches and pains.

Try some simple stretches before you feel the pain coming on, or even before you feel pain as a preventative. They’ll give you immediate comfort and can protect against long-term damage. Check out these ideas from Healthline!

By implementing just a few of these hacks, you can make it a lot easier and keep yourself healthy at work.

What other hacks do you use to ensure you’re proactive about health in the workplace? Let us know on our Facebook page!

Tags: Healthy hacks, healthy living, healthy living for office managers, medical office management, medical offices, national organization of rheumatology managers, office management, rheumatologists, Staying healthy at work, tips for office managers Posted August 30, 2023 by NORM Group