The weather has finally changed for the better, the sweaters are packed away, and that means it’s time to get up, walk away from that desk, and breathe some fresh air. While we feel obligated to stay at our desks and work, we can find small ways to get up and moving. And as medical staff, health starts with you, so this is a great way to practice what you preach.
- Get moving on your downtime. If you find yourself replying, “What downtime?” you need to start there: Take a break every so often. Don’t just whip out your phone and check social media — literally stand up and take a quick five-minute walk. You might even combine it with a bathroom break by choosing the one that’s farther away. Find a place outside to eat your lunch, so you can soak in some Vitamin D at the same time. Instead of sitting hunched over while on the phone, stand up or even pace a little, if possible. Take time to stretch, too. Those muscles tighten up and weaken from lack of use.
- Live up to your title. As part of the office medical staff, you need to look to your own health before you can help anyone else with theirs, whether it’s filling out their paperwork or actively working with a patient. So, make sure you do take some of these to heart, allowing yourself time to get up and move around during your day. Incorporating even small, brief periods of movement will help you physically and mentally. In fact, too much sitting is known to increase “brain fog” as well as the chance of getting Type 2 diabetes. Add to that the possibility of weight gain, neck and knee pain, and poor circulation, and you have a whole host of reasons to move.
- Find ways to move together. The best way to keep employees healthy? Give them a reason to enjoy breaks. Consider “Lunch and Learn” sessions where you show presentations about eating well and the benefits of following a healthy lifestyle. Employees may choose to watch or not, but simply having the event promotes the idea of wellness. You may also want to think about putting together a sports team, even playing against other companies. This offers a sense of camaraderie and gets people moving in the spirit of friendly competition. Also make sure your employees know about local health-related events (especially ones you’re involved in!). They may not know what their own city has to offer. Put up flyers and posters and encourage them to go.
Even those in the healthcare industry run the risk of sitting all day to get work done. Get employees moving to keep them at their best. When you’re not feeling your best, the experts at Medical Professionals can give you a lift.
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