10 initiatives for a healthy working day

Table of Contents

1. Take the stairs

Yes, you knew it was coming. You knew this list would include the stairs and you knew you'd think "no thanks" then. Yet the contrast between stairs and lift is great, making it an easy way to get your feet to cover some extra metres. Do you find taking the stairs up a huge change in your daily routine? Then start by only taking the stairs down. Going up, by the way, makes more of a difference in terms of calories, because compared to 0.05 calories per step down, there are 0.17 up.

2. Increase positivity at work

The government happens to be running a commercial at the time of writing with '#BEKIND' as a reference to the hardening society. In the workplace, we are not always kind to each other either, even though this brings many benefits. A positive work environment offers numerous benefits. For example, you eat better, sleep better and are happier. Greet each other, be interested in others and regularly flash those teeth. The beauty of this is that you cheer up your colleagues AND yourself.

3. Bring your dog to work

The four-legged friend! We even have one running around the office ourselves. She barks a bit too much and is a bit energetic for an office dog, but "you're so sweet, aren't you, yes you are, yes you are". You get the idea. He is good for you and even stimulates colleagues, as research shows. So, there's enough reason to sit down with the boss and try to force a small opening to allow dogs in the office for a week.

4. Move during your work meeting.

Moving, as I recently wrote, is important to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting and standing. With small breaks, you can already do a lot, such as visiting the toilet or a colleague, a coffee round or simply stretching your legs when your head starts spinning after a morning of staring at your screen.You can go further with this. How about a walking work meeting? There's often no need to take notes and your laptop isn't necessary at all. Walking outdoors increases your creativity and should therefore yield better results. In addition, a 20-minute walk already burns around 85 calories, half a slice of bread with sprinkles!

5. Share your desire for healthy eating

Pursuing a goal together is often a bit easier than focusing on it alone. Even when it comes to food. While you're trying to change your eating habits with a bowl of salad, your colleague next to you is tucking into a meatball sandwich with mayonnaise and a bottle of cola. Without you knowing it, that colleague might also be open to a healthier lunch. Tackle it together and talk about nutrition. Share recipes, bring something healthy to lunch that you can share, and even open a social media group for all colleagues if you like.

6. Drink more water

Perhaps the simplest step towards a healthy workday. Drinking water, just like a good lunch, sometimes gets forgotten, but it is so important.When you are dehydrated your mood deteriorates, you feel less energetic and the chance of feeling confused is greater. The physical impact is also enormous; for example, drinking enough water reduces the risk of bladder cancer.

7. Fancy a bet?

This is a good one, because you can get as creative with it as you like. The idea is very simple. You've probably had those discussions with certain colleagues where a quick Google/Wikipedia search has to determine a winner. You can attach a sporting challenge to that. For example, the loser has to do 5 squats behind their desk, go up and down the stairs once, or for the real fitness enthusiasts 5 burpees.Of course, there are many other challenges you can come up with, be creative!

8. Cycle to work

As I type this (Wednesday 14-3: 11:45), the rain is coming down in bizarre quantities. That's when you start to doubt. If possible, try to persuade a colleague from the neighbourhood to cycle to work together. Especially in bad weather, you can motivate each other to still take the bike and get that extra bit of exercise.

9. Be social with colleagues

Being social is good for your health, research shows. Its effects extend to the end of our lives. Of course, hard work needs to be done (I'm typing this for all bosses), but the workplace is essentially the ideal place to be socially active too. Get together with colleagues during breaks, don't email but walk to each other's desks, and occasionally buy a round of drinks.

10. Get started with ergonomics together

You can't avoid having to sit or stand during the workday. So, it doesn't hurt to be conscious of your posture during those hours. Here too, our advice is: tackle it with a colleague. Working on health together is more fun and easier. You can correct each other's posture or share tips you've found online. GET TO WORK!