We’ve all heard the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking.” Is there actually any truth to this statement? Turns out there is! According to The Heart Foundation, a study documented 800,000 people and their sitting habits. The study found that people who sit the most, compared to people who sit the least, have a greater risk of disease and death. Now that’s heavy. With more and more people working from home since the pandemic, our sit time has only increased over the last year. So what’s the solution to warding off any negative side effects from sitting too long, you may ask? Here are a few tips to improve your health during the work day:
1. Remember to Stretch: Make easing aches and pains part of your work to-do list. Try an easy neck roll or standing side bend to get the blood flowing. Bonus points if you can practice a few yoga poses like cat and cow or downward dog.
2. Take a Break: Every 30 – 45 minutes, take a moment for yourself. Get up from your desk and go on a short walk. Not only will your body thank you for the relief, your mind will too. That’s a double win!
3. Posture is Key: Slouching tends to come naturally, especially since we all spend time looking down at our phones or at our screens at work. Try and elevate your computer screen to eye-level to keep your neck aligned with your spine. Keep your chest out and shoulders back while seated to maintain great posture.
4. Keep Essentials within Arm’s Reach: Your mouse and keyboard should always be closest to you during the work day. Don’t risk straining your back or wrists trying to reach further than your level of flexibility.
5: Consider A Standing Desk: OfficeSource can provide some sitting relief during your work day. The Standing Desk Collection is the perfect solution to get you on your feet! Avoid the harmful long-term effects of too much time sitting with OfficeSource’s Height Adjustable Tables. They are easy, quick and quiet to operate, and offer the optimal vertical range to accommodate people of all sizes.
