Do you work at a desk job? If you are like me and work behind a computer then you may have noticed your body crying out for some mobility.
If you work full time, this means at least 8 hours of your day is spent sitting down. Remaining inactive for so long can be a detriment to your health and productivity. It is important that we keep blood circulating throughout the body. This will not only work well for the body, it will also increase blood flow to the brain so you can keep on task.
How do you do it, then? Here are some simple things you can do while at work:
- Stand up and stretch! This is important to get things circulating. I stretch every morning. I do more than these, but they are still good to get you started.
- You can start simply by reaching down and touching your toes.
- For your arms, you can bring one arm up, and behind your head, like a chicken wing.
- For your back and arms, stand up and point both arms to the sky with your palms up. Push towards the ceiling and exhale. Stand straight during this and let the stretch elongate the spine.
- Go for a walk during lunch and breaks. This has been especially good for me after lunch, and provides me with a great second wind to tackle the second half of the work place.
- Rotate your shoulders and neck. This is a good one to relieve tension. It is also very simple and can be done at your desk.
- If your workplace has a gym, use it! Doing a few reps when you can really gives you a boost and some extra motivation to keep going.
It is very important to do something outside of work as well. It doesn’t have to be anything too demanding. You can start off with just a half hour of exercise a day and build from there as you feel comfortable. Jogging, bicycling, and walking are simple things to do. There are many groups that you can join as well. For example, twice a week I attend a martial arts class to learn more and practice each day.
Staying in shape is a commitment, and a rewarding one as well. Keeping in shape provides you with the motivation, energy, and spirit to keep going. From another prospective it also keeps your health care costs lower for you and your workplace. A client of ours, Dr. Tom Gilliam stresses the importance of a healthy work force with his book, Move it. Lose it. Live Healthy. He understands why it is important to stay in shape. Shouldn’t we all?
