Movement is of vital importance. Lack of movement can lead to physical and mental health issues, so if you sit behind a desk for several hours each day, you must do whatever it takes to move more frequently.
Unfortunately, people tend to push their health to one side while they are focused on their work. It is easy for workers to get into bad habits, and changing their ways can sometimes prove challenging.
Over the past few decades, experts have been warning us about the dangers of working long hours without moving. Many claim that sitting in the same place without moving is the “new smoking”.
Luckily, there are lots of ways people can stay active while at work, so you can continue working hard without putting your health at risk.
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Common health issues from sitting at a desk each day
Without a shadow of a doubt, sitting at a desk all day can have a negative impact on your overall health. Here are some of the health issues people face if they fail to move while sitting behind a desk:
- Bad posture: Poor posture at work can lead to hip, back, and neck problems.
- Stress: Lack of movement can cause you to feel stressed.
- Heart problems
- Digestion issues
- Concentration: If you are not active in the workplace, you might find it difficult to stay focused while working. This can also affect your productivity.
By moving regularly throughout the day, not only will you feel physically stronger, but you might find yourself developing a more positive attitude. Those who take short breaks to move tend to have more energy, allowing them to remain productive while at work.
Buy New Office Furniture
Have you noticed a lot of offices using modern desks, like sit-stand desks? In offices throughout the globe, traditional office desks are being replaced by these multi-functional desks that are designed to keep people healthy while working long hours.
Sit-stand desks are growing in popularity because they can help reduce the risk of cancer, type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. They can also help prevent back and shoulder pain. These desks will help improve your posture while working, and your body’s circulation too.
Although most traditional office furniture stores sell these types of desks, there are lots of different models available online.
Tips for Buying a Sit-Stand Desk
There are several stores like HADO Desks that stock a wide range of modern desks, but don’t forget to check to see what products are available on well-known online marketplaces like Amazon too.
However, not all sit-stand desks are the same. Read reviews posted online about the different desks before spending your hard-earned money. These reviews will give you a clear insight into what the desk is like to use. Some people post sit-stand desk video reviews to YouTube that are worth checking out.
Also, don’t forget to measure your office before buying brand new furniture. You will want to make sure that the desk is big enough for a computer and files, but you don’t want it too big either.
Use a Smartwatch or a Timer
Lots of people need to be reminded to move while working. It’s easy to forget to move while you are focused on your workload, so consider setting a timer to stay active during the day. After the timer goes off, stretch or walk around the office floor.
It seems like more people own smartwatches than ever before. Almost all smartwatches available in today’s market come with a feature that will let the person know they have been sitting in the same position for too long.
If you are in the market for a brand new smartwatch, look for one that has this feature. This way, you won’t have to rely on the timer to remind you to move. You won’t have to worry about forgetting to set the timer because the watch will do it for you automatically.
There are plenty of apps out there that will help you stay active while in the workplace. You can easily download one of these health apps to your smartphone or tablet.
Exercise during your Lunch
Instead of getting your food from the office canteen, why not exercise during this period.
You don’t have to go to the nearest gym and start working out if you don’t want to, but you should consider going for a stroll. Walking is a great way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and it can help you stay fit while at work.
However, you could use this time to go to the gym or even take a class. According to a recent study, workers who exercise for at least thirty minutes during work hours perform better. If there isn’t a gym close by, consider bringing a yoga mat to work with you. If you like, you can take a yoga class online, or watch yoga tutorials uploaded to popular streaming platforms like YouTube.
You don’t have to do all your workload while sitting down
Modern technology has made communicating with people in business easy, no matter where they are in the world. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit at your desk while you are on a call or while sending an email.
Even if you are in the middle of a conference call, you can use your mobile device while walking around the office. This is an easy habit to get into and it can make a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Try to find reasons to move while working. For example, if you want to speak to a colleague about a project you are working on, instead of calling them, ask them to discuss it while walking around the office building.
Minor changes to your daily work life can prove highly beneficial.
Water In-take
Staying hydrated while working is extremely important. If you don’t have your own refillable water bottle, perhaps it’s time you get one.
Water is key to helping you stay focused while working, and it can help your joints and your body’s tissues to stay healthy.
If you get headaches now and again while in the office, it could be because you are not getting enough water.
Of course, the more water you drink the more times you will need to get up from your desk to go to the toilet.
Speak to a Physical Therapist
If you find working at your desk is damaging your health, then you might want to speak to a medically trained expert for professional advice.
Most physical therapists will have treated several workers with similar problems. They will take note of your current fitness level and your physical condition to understand how they improve your current situation.
It’s important not to ignore an ongoing nagging injury. If you don’t do something about it, it’s likely to get worse over time. Some folks assume that these injuries will disappear over time, but this is rarely the case. To help eliminate the symptoms, you should speak to a physical therapist. A reputable therapist will provide you with a treatment plan to help you. They will show you different techniques and exercises to improve your health.
About Carson Derrow
