Particularly as we move into the winter months, we should consider our health and wellbeing as a means of safeguarding against many of the things that are no doubt on the way: bad weather with colder temperatures, long dark nights and of course the seemingly ever-increasing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. Some simple adjustments can make a big difference though.

Going to work can often be viewed as somewhat of a negative but there are many health and wellbeing benefits with employment that should be looked upon in a more positive light:

• We engage our minds and bodies when completing tasks.
• We have a structure to our lives, we meet and interact with people on a level that we don’t do at home.
• We quite often have facilities available to us that can be very useful - canteens or company restaurants that provide a good source of nourishment.
• Some employers provide gyms or out of hours clubs that can be a great source of social engagement.
• The possibility of outside work socialisation with colleagues can reduce stress which is important to our wellbeing.
• A problem shared is often a problem halved. Talking about your worries and getting other people’s views could be helpful.

Affording to eat well
Attention should be given to the best foods to eat in the winter to help avoid your body from getting run down, which could then make you vulnerable to winter diseases. Giving yourself substantial sustenance will supply your body with fuel to burn which keeps your core temperature warm. Maybe a good meal at work supported by something less substantial in the evening at home might help your budget? Even Jamie Oliver's £1 wonders might come in useful if you're on a tight budget?

Which drinks are best?
Having good hydration is just as important in the colder months as in the summer. Ensure you have access to water throughout the day and evening. Hot drinks may make you feel warm when drinking them but according to Peter McNaughton, a neuroscientist at Cambridge University, there is a receptor in your tongue that tells your brain that ‘it’s getting hot in here’, so it switches on your sweating mechanism to help you cool down! Alcohol increases the flow of blood to the skin which sets off a sharp drop in body temperature. So choose your drinks carefully when staying hydrated.

Financial worries
One major cost that is under immense pressure at present is that of increased electricity and gas charges. Merely being at home for extended hours will cause additional costs to the family budget for heating and lighting your property. It's worth considering how much we save when we are at work and our employer is footing the bill. Saving on your household bills whilst earning some money at work can't be all bad! However, if you are struggling with the costs, then there is help at hand with the Energy Savings Trust, who outline some great tips for saving on usage and on reducing your household bills. In addition, if you find yourself really in trouble with paying fuel bills there is free advice on offer at Step Change who are a charity scheme founded in 1993 that can advise on most debt and money worries.
    
Employers have their part to play with all this. By providing a warm, safe, and secure environment for their employees, they will ultimately benefit from better productivity rates and a more harmonious workforce. By improving simple facilities like canteens, rest areas and even better seating for workers, this can help to make staff feel more valued and at ease within their workplace.

Going to work can be a very good thing for our health and wellbeing. By communicating any concerns and issues with both your employer and your colleagues, you can help to make life's trials a little more bearable.

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