Stay Active at Your Desk with These Tips
Photo by Christina Morillo from Pexels
If you work in the corporate world, you’re likely at your desk 80-90% of your day. Billions of people across the globe spend a quarter of their entire day sitting at their desks. Prolonged sitting at a desk is a sedentary behavior that poses several health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, excessive periods of sitting can lead to:
Back pain
Increased blood pressure
High blood sugar
Excess body fat around the waist
Unusual cholesterol levels
Increased risk of chronic diseases like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer
Fortunately, there are many ways to increase movement at work (or at home) to limit the amount of time spent sitting at a desk.
Here are some tips for increasing your physical activity levels while working:
Take Breaks
Every 15 to 30 minutes, step away from your desk. Then, you can get up and do a few stretches or take a walk around your office (or home). This movement helps increase blood flow and physical activity levels during the day.
Use a Standing Desk
If you don’t share a desk with someone, look into a standing desk. A standing desk, or a height-adjustable desk, allows you to stand up and work without needing a chair. These ergonomic desks have several benefits, such as:
Reduced wrist strain
Mood improvement
Increased energy levels
Boosted productivity levels
Increased life expectancy
Practice Desk Yoga
If you’re a fan of yoga or other mindfulness practices, desk yoga is a great way to implement those exercises into your daily work routine. Desk yoga takes only a few minutes to complete and can be done during those breaks mentioned earlier. These stretches and exercises are a great way to relax and recharge at work.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Neck and shoulder rolls
Seated forward bend
Reverse prayer pose
Wrist stretch
Chair twist
Twisted arms
If you have any health conditions, please consult your primary care doctor before engaging in these exercises or stretches.