The past 50 years revealed that at least 8 out of every 10 of us are turning into desk potatoes! According to the Mayo Clinic, more than four hours a day of screen-time can increase your risk of death by any cause by 50 percent. There’s also a 125 percent risk for cardiovascular disease! But don’t worry, we also have some good news. It can be very easy to reverse these risks- take our advice!
Ways to Reverse the Risks
• Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
• Use an alarm on your computer, laptop, phone, or Apple Watch to remind you take a stretch break.
• Try a standing desk or improvise with a high table or counter.
• Try out a new trend called Urban Walking meeting where you walk with your colleagues for meetings rather than sitting in a conference room. You’ll likely be more creative, productive, and have better ideas.
• If you work from home, position your work surface above a treadmill — with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand or a specialized treadmill-ready vertical desk – so that you can be in motion throughout the day.
Take a moment before the start of your workday, after or before a work break, and before you end the day with a quick stretch. Spending 5 – 10 minutes every hour can help reverse the effects of sitting for long periods of time during your workday.
Benefits of Stretching/Exercising at work can help:
• Enhance Flexibility
• Improve Circulation
• Promote Relaxation
• Decrease Healthcare Costs
• Reduce the chance of future injuries
• Promote Awareness of the need for regular exercise
Building the habit of moving so often throughout your day can also lead to better work performance and productivity. A recent study found 66 percent of participants felt more productive with a one-hour increase of standing time, while 71 percent of people felt more focused.
GET MOVING! STRETCHES/EXERCISES YOU CAN DO AT WORK
Our bodies were made to move! If aches and pains are getting in the way of doing daily activities, take action now and contact us today to work with our team to create a stretching program that can work for your specific situation, and target muscle groups used during your daily work routine.
Here are some great examples of movements you can try to do throughout your day. Learn them, memorize them, and build a great habit to reap the rewards of a healthy body.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0019657
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/sitting/faq-20058005
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2012/11_0323.htm
Written by Vanessa Delgado
