5 top tips for surviving office life

Are the demands of office life getting you down? Are you fed up on the long, draining and tedious days?

If so, here are five top tips to help you survive office life.

1. Find a work buddy

Some people will tell you that work is for work and nothing more. However, given that you spend a substantial amount of your life at work, it helps if you’ve got a buddy – someone to help keep you sane during those stressful working days.

So if you have a colleague who you click with and would like to get to know better, ask them if they’d like to grab some lunch. No one’s saying you have to be the best of friends, but having a person you can turn to for support and a friendly chat will make work a lot more bearable.

2. Take regular breaks

The human body is not made for sitting down, which means prolonged periods of sitting at your desk can cause you a whole host of problems such as back pain, weak glute muscles and weight gain.

You should also ensure that you take regular breaks from sedentary work. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) recommends that you take short frequent breaks of around 5 to 10 minutes every hour.

Also, your employer is required to carry out a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment, to ensure that your workspace equipment and furniture is set up in such a way that it doesn’t put strain on your body.

3. Be positive

Most people have an aspect of their job that they don’t enjoy, but rather than dwell on it, try and focus more on the positives, for example, the work mate who makes you chuckle, the client who always thanks you for your hard work.

A job is merely a means to an end – it provides you with an income so that you can live your life. But if you’re struggling to find any positive spin, you’re probably in the wrong job, so consider moving on.

4. Decorate your desk

Like it or not, you’re going to spend a lot of time sat at your desk, so you might as well make it look nice. Leopard print mouse mats and brightly colored tinsel might be overdoing it a little, however, a few photos and some stylish stationary holders shouldn’t be a problem.

And for that added homely feel, consider getting a potted plant. They not only look great but, according to HR software firm CIPHR, office plants help reduce stress, increase productivity and reduce noise levels

5. Eat healthy

Maintaining a healthy diet will give you the stamina needed to cope with a busy working day. So instead of relying on cups of coffee to keep your energy levels up, drink plenty of water – it hydrates your body, lubricates your joints and helps regulate your body temperature.

And if you’re looking for a meal that’ll give your body that much-needed boost, you can’t go wrong with some risotto from rice specialists Riso Gallo. Its offering includes 90 second microwavable pouches – perfect for a short lunchbreak.

Follow these five fantastic tips and your office job will be far more enjoyable here on in.