Tips for a healthy, happy work space!

Posted on

17 August 2014

| Last updated on 19 April 2017

Tips for a healthy, happy work space!

While today’s office workers have it good, particularly compared to previous generations who worked in cramped factories or toiled in fields, there is no denying the health risks associated with today’s white collar employment.

In Dubai, opportunities for professional class employees often far exceed that of other locales around the world, but while you’re padding developing your career, be sure to take good care of your health at the same time.

Below are a few tips for white collar women in Dubai to stay healthy, fit, and energetic at the workplace - and most will be applicable to men too, so pass it on.

Healthy Food

It seems like every other day it’s a birthday, promotion, or some other type of celebration in the office. Cakes, candies, or even champagne have oftentimes been used to commemorate special occasions, but let’s not forget about the empty calories they add!

Instead of opting out, or spoiling the party, provide a healthy alternative. The Emirates has a bounty of delicious native fruits, such as dates, which provide a sweet kick without the nasty crash that follows binging on a slab of cake. How about delicious freshly squeezed juice or even herbal tea to wash it down? Now you’re talking!

The rapidly growing obesity rate in the Middle East is a serious public health concern and the “binge-y” culture of expatriates can easily lead one astray. So keep an eye on what you eat and avoid overdoing the sweets.

Protect Your Environment

Dubai’s extreme heat often confines residents to their offices during the day. A climate-controlled environment can leave skin feeling dry and unhealthy, and can even lead to respiratory problems. Be sure to drink plenty of water, even if you’re deskbound. You may even wish to invest in a desktop humidifier to keep the air around you fresh and moist. Some models even allow you to add a few drops of essential oil for aromatherapy. Almost like having a spa treatment without leaving your desk!

Of course, even if going outside is not an option for you, you should always aim to get up from your desk every half hour or so. Get up and speak with a colleague. Who knows, this could lead to useful collaboration. If it’s feasible, take the stairs - although with Dubai’s high rise towers, it’s quite understandable if you can't make the hike.

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Quiet Your Mind

Professionals in Dubai tend to work in highly competitive sectors, such as finance, where the pressure to succeed can be very heavy indeed. It’s very common to “blow off a little steam” by drinking to excess, or attempt to relieve stress by smoking cigarettes. Don’t fall into these bad habits.

Practice deep breathing. Before dashing off an angry response to an annoying email, close your eyes and count to 30. Don’t worry, nothing is that urgent!

Also, as fun as hanging around the water cooler and chatting can be, keep in mind that office gossip can really poison the mind. Focus on the tasks at hand and how you can best improve your productivity. Idle time criticizing colleagues or management doesn’t accomplish anything except wasting time.

Finally, give yourself a break! Many expatriates have generous annual leave allowances, but even if you don’t, give yourself time to indulge in a healthy hobby: travel, reading, painting – whatever floats your boat.