Regular movement is key to comfort, especially if you’re stuck in one position for too long. If you find yourself in discomfort or pain, you should move every half an hour to an hour. Just a few minutes of movement can reduce pain and stiffness.
Staying in one position for too long can be bad for your health. Our bodies are built to move. Research suggests moving about for three minutes when you’ve been stationary for too long. Once you do this, you’ll notice a few benefits, including:
o Increase in energy
o A clearer mind
o A lift in mood
o Increased metabolism
o Increased blood flow
o Improved posture
o A reduction of pain and healthier joints.
You can get a lot done in three minutes. Including but not limited to:
o Going to the printer/copier/fax more often during the workday.
o Do stretching exercises. Try these:
o Slide show: Office stretches
Work in a call centre? Try taking a phone call standing up at your desk. Or follow the call with one of the stretches shown above.
Talk with a colleague in person rather than calling/emailing them.
Take the stairs instead of the lift. Also, try taking the longer route to the bathroom or kitchen if you can.
Move regularly during meetings. This one’s great if you’re on a zoom call because you can turn the camera off. You can try stretching or pacing. Whatever works for you.
Plan some gentle exercise during your work break. Doing this is excellent for you mentally and physically and will help you focus better when you return to work.
If all else fails, try walking, jogging or moving in place to increase physical and mental activity.
It can be hard remembering to move around regularly, especially when you’re absorbed in your work. You can try doing some of these to combat that:
Set an alarm for yourself, either on your calendar or phone.
Keep an eye on the clock and move every time the hour hand is on the 6 or 12
“The best position is the next position”. Strictly speaking the only bad posture is a static one. Try changing your position every half an hour.
Here at Cathedral Chiropractic movement is the cornerstone of most of the treatment plans we create. If you’re not sure which exercises may benefit you best, feel free to give us a call, we’re happy to offer you some advice.
