An increasing number of occupations involve sitting at a desk all day. Unfortunately, reduced activity leads to an increased risk of obesity and a host of medical conditions that come with sedentary living and weight gain.

While most modern-day professionals have a problem with limited activity levels, others have the opposite dilemma. For them, it’s constant standing and walking all day long. It’s a good way to stay in shape but comes with an increased risk of aches and pains.

There’s also the problem of maintaining the energy levels needed to stay focused and alert for the duration of their shifts. The good news is there are ways to mitigate the unwanted consequences of being on your feet all day.

Let’s take a look at  six must-haves for those on their feet all day long:

Lightweight sneakers

Those with jobs involving lots of standing and walking need to take good care of their feet. That starts with wearing the right shoes. We recommend lightweight knit sneakers for those spending most of their shift indoors, away from heavy machinery and other potential hazards where more protection is required. These types of shoes provide optimum comfort and support with the breathability needed to keep your feet dry throughout the day. They’re also slip-resistant while being easy to take on or off, making them the perfect footwear for a variety of workplace settings.

Supportive socks

Don’t make the mistake of overlooking the importance of socks in keeping your feet comfortable throughout the day. Socks with arch support cushioning will help prevent soreness. Meanwhile, compression socks will prevent swelling and improve circulation. Since everyone’s feet are different, we recommend experimenting with various types of socks. Once you find a type that provides the comfort and support you’re looking for, stock up on as many pairs as possible and sticks to them going forward.

Full-zip sweater

Jobs that keep you on your feet all day also tend to involve ups and downs in terms of physical activity. You work up a sweat, cool off, then find yourself feeling chilly. Since you can’t control the tempo of hot and cold throughout the day, the next best thing is to have a sweater or jacket you can easily put on and take off as needed. That way, you aren’t constantly in a state of discomfort and instead have a way to regulate your body’s temperature as activity levels go up and down.

Smartwatch

You might as well keep track of all those steps! Not only do smartwatches come with pedometers, but they also make it easier to send and receive text messages on the go, allowing you to stay in touch with friends and family without losing focus. Timers, alarms, and alerts can all be utilized to make your job easier. With this in mind, we recommend wearing a smartwatch as a way to document activity and maintain connections with the outside world.

Nutritious diet

If you constantly find yourself losing energy during your shift, then chances are you’re undernourished. A proper diet rich in vegetables and lean protein will give you the energy required to get through a day without turning to sugary soft drinks and other unhealthy pick-me-ups. Make a point to eat a healthy breakfast followed by a light lunch and capped off with a well-balanced dinner. Doing so will provide the nutrition you need to be as focused and alert as possible.

Quality sleep

If you still find yourself feeling sluggish during the day, it might be due to a lack of quality sleep. You should also be getting to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time each morning. A regular sleep schedule in which you get at least seven hours of uninterrupted quality sleep will enable you to complete a full shift of work on your feet without feeling like you need a noontime nap.

While many professionals have a problem with inactivity, others find themselves on their feet all day long. An occupation involving increased activity is good for your physical well-being, but only if you take the necessary steps to take care of yourself. That means wearing the right things, eating the right foods, and sleeping the right amount of time.

Julie Steinbeck is a freelance writer from Florida. She enjoys writing about business, finance, health, and travel.

Previous articleHow Can One-click Checkout Experience Improve Relations Between Brands and Customers? 
Next articleKey Stuck in Ignition? Here’s What You Need to Do