The Corporate Life: 11 Small Changes for a Better Workday

Corporate life can often feel like a grind. The endless cycle of early starts, late finishes, meetings, and sitting at a desk can leave employees feeling exhausted, unhappy, and unhealthy. But just because you work in the corporate world, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your well-being for your job. Here are 11 small changes you can make to improve your workday:

1. Stretch every 20 minutes
Sitting for hours on end is unhealthy. Take a break every 20 minutes to stretch. Touch your toes, stretch your arms, and move your shoulders to get your blood flowing and ease any muscle tension.

2. Bring healthy snacks to work
Pack healthy snacks like almonds, hummus with celery and carrots, or a banana to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Having healthy snacks on hand will also help you avoid the temptation of the vending machine or unhealthy treats in the canteen.

3. Pay attention to ergonomics
Ensure your computer is at eye level to avoid hunching forward in your chair. Your feet should reach the floor, and your arms should be at a 90-degree angle at your keyboard. Maintaining proper posture and positioning can prevent chronic pain and discomfort.

4. Stay hydrated
Bring a water bottle with you to work and drink throughout the day. Being inside for hours with artificial air conditioning can cause dehydration, so having a water bottle handy prevents you from having to get up frequently to get a glass of water.

5. Get fresh air
Step outside every now and then to breathe in some fresh air. It will help you to stay connected to the outside world and give your brain much-needed oxygen.

6. Don’t take things personally
If a coworker is having a bad day, don’t take it personally. Instead, show compassion and support. Ask if they are okay and be there for them if they need it. Remember, we are all humans with our ups and downs.

7. Find a work buddy
Having someone at work you can talk and vent to can make a huge difference in your job satisfaction. Seek out a work buddy who you trust and can rely on for support.

8. Don’t gossip
Gossip creates a toxic work environment and creates negativity all around. If you need to vent, wait until you are outside of the office environment. Keep it all professional and avoid creating unpleasantries for everyone involved.

9. Embrace failure
Sometimes we fail, and that’s okay. Failure is a chance for feedback and learning. Embrace it as part of the journey, and see it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

10. Meditate
Scientific evidence shows that meditation has numerous benefits for the brain. Take a minute to sit with yourself and breathe, focusing on the present moment. Let your thoughts come and go, like clouds in the sky. Start with just one minute to avoid distraction and gradually increase the time, and you’ll find it’s easier to do than you think.

11. Mind your caffeine intake
Although it may be tempting to drink a lot of coffee to keep you going throughout the day, it is important to be aware of the time you drink it. Studies have shown that the best time to drink coffee is between 9:30 am and 11:30 am or 1:30 pm and 5 pm, when cortisol levels are lowest. Drinking coffee too early can cause a crash by the afternoon, leading to a slump in productivity.

Conclusion

By making these small changes, you can make your corporate lifestyle healthier, happier, and more fulfilling. So why not give them a try and see how much better your workday can become?

Tags:
Corporate life, well-being, healthy snacking, ergonomics, hydration, fresh air, meditation, caffeine, work-life balance