In recent years, more and more health professionals have been cautioning us about the adverse effects of sitting at a desk for long periods of time. They’ve even referenced sitting as the new cancer. It’s a sober warning for those of us who work eight-plus hours a day in front of our computers. Luckily, these tips will help transform those sedentary office days into ones that keep your physical (and mental) well-being in mind.
Take Your Breaks
In today’s work culture, we are all-but conditioned to believe that taking breaks is a sign of weakness. But don’t let that mindset fool you! It’s actually much better for your mental and physical health to take breaks throughout the day – even if you need to section them into smaller increments. Whether you’re walking to talk to a co-worker, grabbing a glass of water or a coffee refill, or taking a stroll around the building, breaks are essential for getting you up and moving while also giving you a mental reprieve from your workday.
Invest in the Right Equipment
If your job requires you to be at your desk for extended periods, it’s worth investing in the right equipment to ensure you’re keeping your body healthy. Standing desks, yoga ball chairs, ergonomic equipment, and other such desk accessories provide various ways to help your stay moving, keep your blood flowing, improve your posture, and more.
Build In a Stretch
Whether you work from home or your corporate office (or a combination of both), you should be building a stretch into your day, every day, especially if you’re sitting for long periods. A five-minute stretch is all it takes to help keep your body limber and help to combat the negative side effects of prolonged sitting.
Use Blue-Light Glasses
When you think of your body’s health, you likely don’t immediately think of your eyes. However, for those of us staring at a screen for a majority of the day, our eyes take a pretty significant hit. Blue-light glasses can help prevent headaches, migraines, and other light-related issues. And when the solution is as simple as a $10 purchase, this one is a no-brainer.
Clean Up Your Space
When you’re surrounded by clutter, your mind is more likely to replicate those sentiments, which can lead to tense muscles. So make sure you organize your surroundings, get rid of anything that doesn’t serve you, and otherwise keep your space as neat as possible. If you clean your space, your brain can feel more relaxed, which, in turn, can relax your muscles.
These tips will help to transform your sedentary desk job into an opportunity to listen to your body. Remember, your health comes first.