Sitting for Good Health

Sitting for Good Health

Technology in a lot of ways has made our lives easier, but it has also played a role in us developing unhealthy lifestyles. Over the years, several of us have developed sedentary habits that such as spending hours behind a desk or on the couch watching TV or on our smartphones. There are serious repercussions that come from sitting for extended periods of time. Long extended periods of sitting is not only bad for your back, it’s also bad for your circulation, bones and muscles.

Posture

It’s important that your workstation fits your body properly. You should be able to sit back in your chair all the way with your feet touching the floor. Sitting all the way back in your chair means your back is getting much-needed support. Your computer monitor should be eye level, looking down or up at your monitor can lead to neck problems and pain. Position your monitor approximately 2 to 3 inches above your seated eye level. This small adjustment can work wonders for your neck.

Admittedly, ergonomic furniture can be expensive but the health benefits make it a worthy investment. Ergonomic chairs and keyboards help minimize pain and discomfort and help your body maintain natural positions. I personally, don’t have an issue with this, but if your feet have trouble reaching the floor, invest in a foot rest. Some of them swivel to encourage the flow of circulation while sitting.

Move Around and A Take Stand

Sitting too much is bad for your circulation. Set a timer and periodically get up and do some stretching exercises. Lack of circulation leads to heart disease and strokes, it’s critical that you keep your blood flowing. Station items in your office in areas that force you to move around. I have one client that keeps her trash can and dry erase board in a separate room. This forces her to stand up and move around because not everything is within arms-reach.

I have also seen desk extensions that allow you to stand up while working at your desk. Standing allows your blood to flow through your body which helps to improve your neurological function. Moving around and standing helps improve your memory and helps you keep a clear head while you work. Here are a few recommended exercises you can easily do at work:

• Shoulder shrugs 
• Calf Raises
• Touch your toes 
• Stand up and sit down for 10 repetitions 
• Clench and unclench your fists 
• Torso twist

Getting a massage on a regular basis is good for your bone health, muscles health and circulation. A little movement now goes a long way towards a healthy and pain free lifestyle.