Dan
As a tradie, your body is your most important tool. It's what allows you to get the job done day in and day out. But, like any tool, you need to take care of your body to have it performing it's best for you. This month, in honour of Tradie Health Month, we've put together some tips to help you stay safe onsite.
From regular exercise and meal planning to cutting down on alcohol and clearing your mind, we've got tips and advice from experts and fellow tradies to help you stay fit, healthy, and ready to tackle whatever the job site throws at you. So, let's dive in and explore how you can take care of your most valuable asset - you.
Add regular exercise to your routine
You may be thinking you get enough exercise onsite, so why would you need to do more? Your body is essential to your work, keeping it happy and healthy is key to keeping the money coming in. Reduce the risk of an accident by getting regular exercise. It'll improve your strength, balance and coordination.
It'll also help to strengthen the muscles and joints, which helps to prevent injuries from overuse and strain. Tradie Coach, Kiomi Barritt, says lifting weights helps her with “strength, muscular imbalances, mobility issues and any joint pain I was having at the end of a long day!”
Get prepared with meal planning
A pie and V for breakfast sound familiar? The breakfast of champions might help you wake up in the morning, but it won't get you through a physically demanding day. Eating the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats will though. Plus, the good food will help in your muscle recovery and repair.
Meal planning for lunches can take away the stress of figuring out what you’re going to eat each day. Check out these tips for getting started.
Stretching on site
Taking regular breaks can help prevent fatigue and burnout. Even a short 5-minute break can make a big difference. Use this time to grab a drink, relax with a snack or stretch.
Hipage research shows that 45% of tradies took time off work in the past 12 months due to injuries. Stretching is the best preventative measure to keep you healthy.
On your next break, give a Chest Chisel, Toolbox Twist or a Crowbar Curl. For more stretches for tradies, take a look at this guide from hipages.
Cutting down on alcohol
Do you typically relax with a beer at the end of the of day? It’s great for bonding with the team and getting to know each other. It's not so great for your long-term mental and physical health.
When you have that first drink, GABA is released in your brain. The relaxing chemical releases muscle tension. Your body starts to relax and you'll start to breath easier. But, not for long.
The more you drink, the more you’re at risk of depleting your stores of GABA. GABA deficiency increases your tension, feeling of panic and causes you to perceive normal situations as dangerous once.
Instead of reaching for beer after work, try giving a zero-alcohol drink a go, or head out for an activity for team bonding instead.
Clear your mind
How many times have you been distracted and tripped over or walked into something? A clear state of mind helps us to have a positive attitude, reduces anxiety and be more cautious (preventing those clumsy accidents).
If you feel yourself sinking into a negative state of mind, here’s some ways you can bring yourself out it:
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Pull someone for a quick and get whatever it is off your chest. A problem shared really is a problem halved, and you never know, they might need a chat more than you do.
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If it’s practical, take a short walk around the block – or give belly (diaphragmatic) breathing a go. Breath in through your nose and push out your stomach, breath out through your nose. This technique slows your heart rate and relaxes you by using 100% of your lung capacity.
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Include mediation in your daily routine to train your brain to be more aware of how you’re feeling. This will allow you to take action sooner when you’re not feeling yourself. Take a look at this list of the best meditation apps to use.
Need a break when you get home?
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