There’s many ways you can experience good health at work.
Eating Well
There’s strong links between what we eat and how we feel. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy. Healthy eating also helps prevent chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer and ensures you stay in good shape.
A balanced diet includes:
- Lots of different fruit and vegetables
- Wholegrain cereals
- Nuts and seeds
- Dairy products
- Oily fish
- Plenty of water.
Move More
Low levels of physical activity, including sitting at a desk for a long time, contribute to increased preventable disease and workplace injury.
Studies show that one hour of movement a day such as walking, swimming or cycling can undo the damage caused by long periods of sitting.
Exercise External link also reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosts your self-esteem, helps you concentrate, sleep, and keeps your brain healthy.
Break up your day by using your down time to get some form of physical activity.
Smoke Free
Smoking is the single largest cause of preventable death in Australia. Exposure to environmental smoke or second-hand smoke also causes harm.
The NSW Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 External link bans smoking in a wide range of public places in NSW, including areas of professional, trade, commercial, and other business premises. Check the smoking regulations at your workplace.
For smokers who are trying to quit and want help, your workplace may offer support or you can contact the NSW QuitlineExternal link.
Drugs and Alcohol
We often drink alcohol to change our mood, but the effect is temporary. Drinking isn’t a great way to manage difficult feelings.
Due to different ways that alcohol affects different people, there’s no standard amount of alcohol that’s safe for everyone. There will always be some risk to your health and social wellbeing.
You can minimise risk by:
- Setting limits for yourself and sticking to the them
- Starting with non-alcoholic drinks and alternating them with alcoholic drinks
- Drinking slowly
- Eating before or while you’re drinking.
The harmful consumption of drugs and alcohol can impact workplace safety. Your workplace may already have a drug and alcohol policy as well as programs supporting employees to address high-risk alcohol consumption.
As an apprentice or trainee, you must not be affected by alcohol or drugs while you are at work.
If you are taking prescription medication, make sure you’re aware of any side effects that may hinder your work activity.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Service External link provides free 24/7 phone counselling, support, referrals and information for those affected by alcohol or other drugs. Phone: 1800 250 015.
