In line with this year's nutrition month theme: “Healthy Lifestyle, Gawing Habit for Life” , the National Nutrition Council (NNC) urges workplaces across the country to promote healthy lifestyle among their employees. The NNC cited some ways to promote healthy lifestyle in the workplace such as providing healthier food choices in cafeterias or canteens and serving nutritious snacks during meetings or other kinds of gatherings. Moreover, conducting seminars and lectures to inform employees regarding healthy diets is also highly encouraged.
The need to emphasize nutrition and healthy living in the workplace was realized to further strengthen the advocacy for healthier Filipinos in the country. It also seeks the support of all the employers – either small or big companies not to underestimate the role of nutrition in the workplace.
Employees, on the other hand, can live healthier while working through numerous ways. The first one is by exercising everyday for at least 30 minutes. Some work places provide area wherein their employees can play basketball, volleyball or badminton while some regularly hold sports festivals.
Since diet and exercise go hand in hand, workers should never skip meals no matter how swamped they are with work. Most importantly, breakfast should never be skipped. Food is the fuel of your body and not eating may lead to decreased work productivity. If running out of time, prepare a meal or a snack that is easy to eat. Likewise, turning away from junk foods which usually contain a high amount of fat and salt is a must. While some claim that it is their comfort food, one must limit the consumption of these unhealthy food items.
Every now and then, work can be toxic and stressing. If there is a need to relieve stress, manage it actively. How? Hit two birds in one stone by exercising since it is also important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Another method is by taking up a new hobby or interest to distract oneself from the pressure of work. A new hobby will destress and recharge the body and mind in order to be more efficient and productive towards work.
Never turn to alcohol, cigarettes and illegal drugs to relieve tension and stress from work. Aside from its deteriorating effect on the body, the relief you will get from these substances is only short-lived. In addition, addiction to these harmful substances certainly will not promote health and well-being.
Having active and healthy employees is a double edged sword. Involving the workplace settings in the promotion of health and well-being not only benefit the employees but also the employers. It translates to increased productivity and better work performance. Moreover, another benefit for the employers is decreased absenteeism due to sickness. Generally, health awareness and promotion inside the office can improve work performance and job satisfaction. (SNBT)
