1. WORKING THROUGH LUNCH
It's an easy trap to fall into, but you really must get your bum off your chair at lunch. Not only is eating at your computer a surefire way to invite germs to your work area (according to this infographic the average desk is 70% dirtier than a toilet seat...) going for a lunchtime stroll will top up vitamin D levels, boost your digestive and immune systems and improve oxygen levels, which brings greater clarity to the brain – did you know the brain needs 20 percent of our body's oxygen to function? Look forward to feeling more intelligent after lunch!
2. HAVING A MESSY DESK
Scary toilet-seat stat aside, let's get real about how messy your desk is. No one's judging you, but how many jenga-like piles of paper, post-its and folders are you hoarding? Having a weekly desk detox and being stricter about what's a desk-necessity (desk-cessity? no?) and what's NOT can change the shape of your desk in no time, and even encourage you to eat healthier, according to a US study. And while you're at it, try accessorising your desk to make it more stimulating. Colourful bunting, fairy lights and plants can brighten up a dull desk in no time.
3. FORGETTING TO DRINK WATER
It sounds obvious, but we're pretty sure you're not drinking enough H20 so now's the time to get yourself a desk jug and start glugging. Great for your skin and brain power, water helps reduce headaches and also boosts your energy. Not only will water make your working day better, getting up to pop to the dispenser will also give you a chance to catch up on all the office goss.
4. NOT WEEING ENOUGH
"I'll wee just as soon as I finish this email..." Sound familiar? Whether you're too shy to go at work, or just plain busy, holding it for too long is bad news. Not only can it stretch your bladder, putting off going to the loo can lead to a build up of germs in your bladder and urinary tract – hello cystitis! But if you're one of the 7 percent of the population who suffers from 'shy bladder' in social situations, try closing your eyes while urinating or reading/playing on your phone to distract you from wee-freeze.
5. DRINKING TOO MUCH COFFEE
Yes, it can give you a mental edge or a shot of energy when you're waning, but drinking too much coffee can lead to some negative side effects: headaches, heartburn and anxiety, just to name a few. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine a day is considered safe for most healthy adults, which is roughly the amount of caffeine in four small-ish cups of brewed coffee. So when you hit that number, it's time to switch to decaf.
6. HUNCHING OVER IN YOUR CHAIR
Poor posture saps your energy, lowers your confidence and even makes other people think less of you, according to research. And we haven't even started on the physical side effects, like a sore back and weak core. Sit up straight, roll your shoulders back and engage your abs. You'll look and feel more capable in an instant.
7. GOSSIPING WITH WORK BESTIES
We all need a good vent-session every now and then (after all, strategic complaining can make you happier, according to research), but too much bitching can have the opposite effect: actually making you more likely to get annoyed and stressed out by other situations in future. So, by all means, get out that frustration when you need to but once it's out, let it go and move on. You'll be calmer and more productive because of it.
8. SAYING YES TOO MUCH
While it feels like an ego-boost when your colleagues say, "Goodness, you do SO much!" taking on too much work can have some serious side effects: stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, lower quality work. While it's easy to say yes to that extra few hours' work hoping it'll impress your boss, it might actually be time to start saying no. You don't have to do it in a confrontational way, either: the next time another thing lands on your desk use this line: "No problem, what would you like me to drop to prioritise this?"
9. STAYING LATE
We get it: your to-do list is longer than Rapunzel's plait, how could you ever actually leave at 5pm? The ironic thing is, research shows people who work crazy overtime actually get less done than those who stick to a standard schedule. It makes sense: if you HAVE to leave on time, you stop wasting time chatting, zoning out and Facebooking during work hours. Tackle this by having a word with yourself: how's your time management? Or is it that your work load is totally out of whack and you need to have a chat with your boss? To keep yourself to it, sign up to an activity, from run club to art class, that starts directly after work as an incentive to make sure you leave on time.