10 Health Tips for Young Professionals

Sitting in front of a computer, in an air-conditioned office, may sound like the perfect job out there for young professionals. But it can have its serious repercussions on your health, repercussions that will manifest themselves sooner or later. So, here are ten health tips to stay on the healthy side while you manage a successful career.

1. Do not skip breakfast

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Skipping breakfast is the unhealthiest practice seen among young professionals. Breakfast is food for the brain; it is what keeps you functioning for the rest of the morning. Skipping breakfast slows down your body’s metabolism as well as your reflexes. Don’t want to appear tired at work? Do NOT skip breakfast!

2. Hydrate all day

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Professionals who sit in air-conditioned offices all day long should remember to keep themselves well-hydrated. To combat dehydration, make it a habit to carry a bottle of water with you, so that you can keep track of whether you’re drinking enough water over the course of a work day.

3. Carry home-cooked food

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Food cooked at home is most likely healthier than what you get outside, especially at fast-food outlets. So, before you step out of home, pack a meal. It prevents you from indulging and is an effective method to save some good money.

4. De-stress

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Most professional jobs can be stressful to young minds and this will take time to get accustomed to. Practice yoga or any other personal choice of meditation to ward off stress.

5. Take the stairs

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Any form of exercise is a blessing in disguise to young professionals with sedentary desk jobs. Say no to elevators and take the stairs whenever you can. Did you know that climbing stairs has been proven to burn more calories than jogging?

6. Follow the 20-20-20 rule for healthier eyes

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Staring at a computer screen for hours on end will strain your eyes. So, remember the 20-20-20 rule for healthier eyes. Every 20 minutes, stare at an object 20 feet from you, for 20 seconds. Also, blink often to moisten and refresh your eyes. To reduce the strain on your eyes, adjust the display settings on your monitor and lower the brightness.  Additionally, increase the font size so that you don’t have to squint.

7. Take regular breaks during the day

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Get away from your work station, stretch your arms and legs or better still, take a stroll outside. Your brain could do with the natural light and air, and you will notice an elevated level of alertness afterwards.

8. Avoid straining your back

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No matter what desk job you are at, remind yourself every now and then to sit upright with your backbone against the back of your chair and your shoulders back. Avoid slumping and remember to distribute body weight equally on both the hips.

9. Plan your work ahead

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Avoid procrastinating or you will end up stressing yourself out as work deadlines draw near. It is always advisable to have a plan in mind, but more importantly, stick to the plan!

10. Get at least 7 hours of sleep every night

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Sleep is a prerequisite for the overall well-being of our body and mind. In order to perform at our best, most of us need at least seven hours of undisturbed sleep every night. That probably includes you, lest you consider yourself to be superhuman. Insufficient sleep, especially on a regular basis, can compromise your immune system and make you more susceptible to colds, fevers, and other illnesses.  It can also affect short-term memory and it is also a risk factor in obesity in young professionals.  So, get good rest every night!

Editor’s note:

Pressed for time?  Here are some tips to recharge the mind and body in just 10 minutes.