The stress of work, combined with the often sedentary nature of our jobs, does our immune system no favours! Here are some tips to ensure your time in the office is healthy and more productive.
1) Take mini-exercise breaks.
The stress of being cooped up in an office all day can reduce your energy and concentration. It can also greatly reduce immunity and feelings of wellbeing as a result. So why not take use you lunch break to take a 20-minute walk? Even gentle exercise will increase blood flow to the brain, which will improve cognitive function and boost energy levels naturally. Research also shows that exercise improves immune function which will help fight colds and flu. Finally, by stepping outside for a few minutes each day, you will be getting a dose of Vitamin D, a nutrient important for energy, immunity and mood.
2) Drink less coffee and stimulants.
Coffee may provide immediate improvement to energy and concentration, but it will eventually leave you fatigued and lacking focus. Swap green tea for coffee to have a more gentle stimulating effect with the added benefit of antioxidants.
3) Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Sugar and refined carbohydrates may provide a quick and tasty boost, but their dopamine high wears off quickly. Sugary foods also feed bacterial growth, which could challenge your immune system. Graze on fruit, nuts or oatcakes with peanut butter or houmous for a tasty yet nutritious afternoon pick-up. Why not also try banana bread for a healthier alternative to coffee break biscuits?
4) Devise an anti-stress strategy.
Stress has been found to be a contributing factor to many health concerns and conditions such as insomnia, IBS, high blood pressure, and low immunity, to name just a few! Stress levels at work often escalate when racing to meet a deadline or dealing with a disgruntled customer. Try to implement stress managing techniques throughout your work day to keep stress levels under control. Examples of these strategies include taking a lunchtime walk, performing breathing exercises, or improving time and project management skills.
5) Keep your immune system in top shape.
Maintaining your body’s natural defences is one of the best ways to stay well at work. This can be done by eating foods which contain high levels of antioxidants and immune supporting nutrients, like Vitamin C and Zinc. Foods rich in these nutrients include berries, dark green vegetables, citrus fruit and pumpkin seeds. Enjoying immune supporting herbs in your lunch or as teas is beneficial as well. These herbs include garlic, thyme, ginger, and liquorice. Another way to support your immune function is by taking an all-natural immune support product such as Bee Prepared Immune Support. Bee Prepared Immune Support Max Strength contains all natural, extracts of bee propolis, elderberry, olive leaf and reishi mushroom, which have proven immunity-boosting actions and high levels of antioxidants..