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Healthy workplace habits can translate to improved wellness and productivity no matter where we work

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. workers spent over 90% of their lives indoors. Between commuting to work, spending the day in the office, and retreating home for the remainder of the day, we typically spend only a few hours a week outdoors.

More than ever, we need to be aware of wellness habits that we can quickly adopt no matter where we may be working.

Light Up Your Workspace

Choose a workspace with adequate indoor lighting and near a window, if possible, for natural daylight. Sunlight is a primary source of vitamin D. In addition to its many health benefits such as elevated mood, improved sleep, and promotion of bone growth, vitamin D can also boost your immune system.

Also, using the appropriate artificial lighting is essential for avoiding eye strain. In darker environments, a task light at your desk is helpful with providing proper lighting. To minimize glare from the sun or artificial lighting, don’t set your screen up directly below an overhead light, and try to angle the screen, so sunlight isn’t hitting it. Finally, if you’re working late into the night, invest in a pair of blue-light-blocking glasses to wear to keep your body’s sleep-wake cycle in check.

Breathe in Fresh Air

Fresh air is critical to human health. If the building permits, open windows to let in air. Indoor air quality is often two to five times more polluted than outdoors because of trapped dust, pet dander, dirt, mold, and harmful chemicals released from everyday household items. Increasing our fresh air and oxygen intake helps our white blood cells fight off bacteria, germs and viruses, strengthening the immune system. A flood of fresh air and oxygen dilates and cleanses lungs, allowing you to exhale deeply and rid your body of airborne toxins. Oxygen-rich environments can result in better brain function, improved concentration and more energy, which help boost productivity.

Consider using stand-alone air purifiers and humidifiers to filter pollutants and germs out of the air. Plants can even help filter air and contribute to optimal humidity levels, in addition to the many benefits foliage can bring to your mental health, mood and happiness. NASA research found peace lilies to be one of the top indoor plants for cleaning the air, breaking down and neutralizing toxic gases like benzene, formaldehyde and carbon dioxide.

Maintain a Thorough Cleaning Regimen

Because we are confined to the same space and frequently touch the same few surfaces, increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces is ideal. An adequate cleaning regimen using non-toxic, hypoallergenic cleaners helps to reduce bacteria, germs and viruses without introducing chemicals that might compromise indoor air quality. Look for cleaning products with certification seals such as EPA’s Safer Choice, Ecologo, or GreenSeal, and those that are free of fragrance and dye. Some materials have antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria and viruses upon contact, such as metallic copper.

As we return to work, with open floor plans and many shared common spaces and amenities, it’s incumbent on all of us to practice better hygiene and awareness of health guidelines. Cultivating these healthy habits at home will reinforce them and create a more resilient, healthier workforce.

Sources:

1. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/
2. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nomanazish/2018/02/28/why-sunlight-is-actually-good-for-you/#7e1c526c5cd9
3. https://www.kent-teach.com/Blog/post/2017/04/25/6-benefits-of-getting-fresh-air.aspx
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/types-of-foods-to-boost-your-immune-system-89020
5. https://aem.asm.org/content/77/5/1541