Health

15 Feminine Office Essentials That Will Make Your Workday Healthier

Human beings were not designed to sit at a desk hunched over their computers all day. Unfortunately, that’s what’s required of many of us nowadays in order to make a living.

By Ella Carroll-Smith5 min read
shutterstock 1690924579 (1)
Shutterstock/Elizaveta Starkova

We’re all busy. With jobs, kids, errands, and countless other responsibilities to juggle throughout the day, it can be easy to forget about your own well-being. If you find yourself completely run down, in pain, or simply not feeling your best at the end of a long work day then you likely need to make some changes. They don’t have to be big ones either. 

You’d be surprised what a large effect small lifestyle changes throughout the day can have on your overall health. Things like walking more, drinking more water, and getting some fresh air will all help you feel better and even live longer. When you’re feeling your best, you’ll be more productive, so investing in items that will make your workday healthier is a win all around. Here are a few things you should consider adding to your office routine.

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1. Standing Desk

At this point it’s pretty common knowledge that sitting at your desk all day is not great for your health. Humans are supposed to be on their feet, moving around, getting our blood flowing! Standing is a much better alternative to sitting all day, which makes a standing desk a great option. Standing desks will also improve your posture, burn more calories throughout the day, and (according to some studies) could even help you live longer! Check out the Mind Reader XL Roll Stand Desk or if you already have a desk, you may just need to add a Desk Converter.

2. Plants

Plants are a surefire way to brighten up any space, no matter how drab. Whether you’re working from home or in an office, adding a little greenery or some flowers (or both) to your desk is a natural way to boost your mood. If you don’t have a green thumb, don’t worry. There are plenty of plants out there that require very little maintenance but are still beautiful to look at, like peace lilies. Shop these gorgeous bust pots to make it even prettier.

3. Under-Desk Treadmill

If a standing desk isn’t hardcore enough for you, then a treadmill desk might be more your speed! If you’re trying to hit a daily step goal, then this is a great way to get your steps in while still getting your work done. This one might be difficult to implement if you work in an office since they can be a little loud, but they’re a great option if you work from home. Your co-workers might wonder what that noise is in the background of your conference calls, but maybe you’ll inspire them to take more steps themselves. Check out the one our Managing Editor reviewed, Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill.

4. Laptop Stand

Here’s the least surprising news you’ll hear today: Hunching over your laptop is bad for your back! Groundbreaking, I know. A laptop stand will help improve your posture so you’re sitting up straight with your shoulders back while you work, instead of hunching over like Quasimodo. If you work at a desk all day and suffer from back pain, it likely has something to do with your posture and investing in a laptop stand is a simple (and cheap) way to help you have a pain-free workday. Check out this Ergonomic Aluminum Laptop Stand.

5. Scented Candle or Oil Diffuser

Adding a scented candle, like this Voluspa Roses Embossed Jar Candle, to your workspace will automatically make it cozier and more pleasant. 

If you work in a communal office, a candle might be considered a fire hazard but don’t worry – you’re not out of luck. Oil diffusers are a great option if you work somewhere that needs to be flame-free. Pick a soothing scent that calms you down and makes you feel more at peace in your space. Bonus points if it comes in an aesthetically-pleasing jar like this Barr-Co Reed Diffuser.

6. Ergonomic Chair

We’ve already established that hunching over your computer is bad for your back. But do you know what else is bad for your back? A poor quality desk chair. If you’re dealing with back pain after spending a long day at your desk, your chair could be the culprit. They can be a little pricey, but it’s worth investing in an ergonomic chair that has the proper lumbar support for your spine. Your future more nimble, agile, pain-free self will thank you. One option is this Branch Ergonomic Chair.

7. Ball Chair

In addition to being healthier than a standard office chair, ball chairs are also super fun and way cheaper than an ergonomic chair. Sitting on one of these balls in lieu of a chair forces you to engage your core, which will naturally straighten your back and fix your posture. Just be careful you don’t get distracted while you’re working because I have fallen off mine before. Luckily, I was not on a Zoom call at the time (although I’m sure my co-workers would have found that spectacle very entertaining). Check out the Greater Goods Exercise Ball.

8. Foot Massage Roller

Who doesn’t love a nice foot massage at the end of a long day? If you’re standing or walking all day, then your feet are likely to get a little tired by the end of it. These foot massage rollers can help ease tension in your feet by loosening up the soft tissue. They’re especially great if you struggle with plantar fasciitis or have mobility issues. Regardless of whether you deal with chronic foot issues, they still feel really nice on your feet and will definitely help you relax. They’re also much cheaper than hiring a masseuse. Try the NUOLUX 5-Row Foot Massager Roller.

9. Pretty Water Bottle

You already know you should be drinking more water throughout the day, so why not do it out of an aesthetically pleasing water bottle? Water bottles make it easier to track how much water you’re drinking each day so you can stay on top of your hydration. I’ve also found I tend to drink more water out of bottles that have a straw. I’m not sure if there’s any scientific research around this phenomenon (yet), but many of my friends feel the same, so I’d recommend one with a straw like the ever-so-popular Stanley Water Bottle.

10. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Whether you’re in an office or at home, things can get noisy. Maybe you have a loud coworker who doesn’t shut the door when they’re on the phone or you've got screaming kids in the other room. Sometimes you need a little quiet time so you can really focus on your work and get things done. Typically when you think of noise-canceling headphones, you think of those bulky over-the-ear kinds. But if you want to opt for a subtler pair that won’t make you look like a DJ at a rave, these in-ear noise-canceling headphones designed specifically for work are a great tool to help you work in peace.

11. Air Purifier 

The air inside your office can get pretty stale, especially during winter months when you’re not opening the windows very often. Air purifiers do more than just “freshen up your space” though. They’re proven to eliminate harmful chemicals, neutralize unpleasant odors, reduce the chances of airborne diseases, eliminate symptoms of asthma, and even improve sleep! If you had no idea an air purifier could do all of that, then that makes two of us. With all of that in mind, you’d be crazy not to get one. Check out this Dyson Pure Cool Purifying Fan.

12. Artwork

Some nice artwork makes any space feel cozier, and you don’t have to break the bank either. You can pick up neat artwork from thrift stores, yard sales, and even discount stores like Marshalls and HomeGoods. Having a piece of art on your walls is a great way to take your mind off things, lift your spirits, or transport you somewhere peaceful. Even artwork by your kid would be a great addition to your space and is sure to bring a smile to your face throughout the day, reminding you why you work so hard. This cheeky Bread Winner Art Print is fun for a modern office vibe.

13. Blue Light Glasses

If your job keeps you staring at a screen all day long, then you likely get eye fatigue by the end of the day. The blue light that our screens produce can have some nasty health side effects like macular degeneration, impaired visual performance, and sleep interruptions. Some studies have even shown it can contribute to cataracts and eye cancer. The jury is still out on whether blue light glasses can alleviate all of these issues, but many people (including yours truly) have found that they can help with eye fatigue and there’s really no harm in using them so it’s worth giving them a shot to see if they help. Try these Chamberlain Blue Light Glasses.

14. Healthy Snacks

Stock your office with healthy snacks now so you have something to reach for when that three o’clock slump hits. Some great options are things like fresh fruit, hummus, pita, or yogurt. If your only option is non-perishable, think foods like nuts, dried fruit, popcorn, rice cakes, or healthy granola bars. Stocking up on healthy snacks now will prevent you from making unhealthy decisions later. For a pretty organization hack, put your favorite healthy snacks in a cute soft pink bin like this on your desk.

15. Self-Heating Coffee Mug

One of the more frustrating parts of my workday is making my morning cup of coffee, only to have it cool off way too fast so it’s cold by the time I actually get around to drinking it. I have no doubt that millions of office workers around the globe share in my struggle. Which is why I bring you…the self-heating coffee mug. Rather than running out to Starbucks midday to get a replacement, now you can keep your mug of coffee at the perfect temperature to the last drop – no matter how slowly you drink it.

Closing Thoughts

There are always ways you can implement healthier lifestyle choices into your routine, no matter how busy you are. Hopefully, you found something on this list that will make your day healthier, warmer, better-smelling, blue light-free, and more hydrated! And even if you didn’t, that’s okay. You don’t need to spend any money to start having a healthier workday. Try taking a walk instead of sitting and scrolling your phone on your lunch break tomorrow. Your body will thank you!

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