So, I recently got a day job (back to banking) and I am back to sitting ALL THE TIME.
Um. It sucks.
Sitting all the time is not only tiring to the brain, but tiring for the body. I can feel my legs and hips starting to hurt more and I am in need of immediate help!
At my previous job, I also sat all day. The only difference is that I had my own office which made it much easier to get up every hour to move around.
I would make it a point to a progression of sit-ups, squats and push-ups to help keep my body moving!
In my new role I have a very large desk which is centered around many other large desks; aka, an open floor plan.
I haven’t tested the “professionalism” waters yet to see how appropriate my mini workout would be at the top of every hour…buttttt…I am thinking NOT.
I have already began to stress myself out on what sitting all day will do to me; neck and back pain, increased risk for heart disease, obesity…the list goes on!
I am hoping to put in a request for a standing desk station, but I still want the option to be able to sit down.
I know. I am SUCH a princess.
I want my cake and to eat it too. Wait. That’s how the saying goes, right?
Gah, anyways, back to my load of stress that isn’t that big of a deal because I know how to fix it (which of course I am going to share with all of you!).
OK.
So here is the skinny on making sure you keep your butt moving, all while sitting.
Take hourly breaks:
Sitting at your desk for hours and hours can really be damaging to your health: Too much sitting is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even dementia. And because sitting is the new smoking, it’s definitely a good idea to break the habit.
So get that bootay moving and try to get up from your desk every hour. Like I said earlier; I used to get up every hour to do a series of workouts to help keep me moving. If that isn’t an option for you, try to get up and take a brisk walk around the office. Do something that will help activate your muscles and promote the flow of that blood!
If you have tunnel vision while working set a time to go off every hour (that’s what I do) to help you remember to MOVE.
Go out for lunch:
Since I just started my new job there hasn’t been much work to do…yet…that being said. In my old job I would often sit at my desk during lunch and continue to work while eating.
Let me tell you something.
Don’t do that!
You get a break for a reason, so just take it and enjoy it. You DESERVE it!
Move that body. Get some air. Have a nice chat with co-workers, friends, family. Stop looking at that screen and refresh your body and brain.
Stand instead of sit:
If you can’t get a standing desk station at work, simply, make your own. Use books to elevate your computer or pick another spot in the office which has something that is elevated that you can place your laptop on.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator:
Like a drool-worthy cheeseburger, it’s hard to say “no” to taking the elevator. But, let’s be honest here. One of the easiest ways to get cardio in during the day is to take those stairs baby! It increases your heart rate, improves your energy, and can increase the function of your immune system. Before you know it, you’ll be running up five flights and beating the elevator to the top.
Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes:
Numerous studies have shown that when you wear comfortable clothes and shoes to work you move more. Although it is important to dress professional in the workforce, be smart about it! Wear flats and clothes that are less restricting on certain muscles areas, like the back, neck and shoulders.
Get a Different Chair:
Exercise ball as a chair? Yes please. Exercise balls promote better posture and burn 6% more calories an hour than sitting on a standard desk chair.
Listen up. I KNOW it’s not easy to change a routine.
Like, trust me. I know. BUT, implementing a few of the items on this list an help you immensely!
No more sore hips or legs (along with regular exercise).
Since I am a desk junkie myself, I would love to know what you do at your desk job to get moving and stay active during the day?
xx
K
Get That Ass To Work with some of Komal’s Faves:
9 comments
Great post with so many great tips!! Thanks for sharing!
x – Leah
http://www.ellemae.blog
Ugh, my neck/back hurt all the time! I know I need to get up and move more often, so maybe your post will motivate me today! I do work out almost everyday at home after work, but I have read that it still doesn’t even really matter because the sitting is killing me 🙁 Anyway, I’ll try, if you will! 😉 Have a great weekend!
xox, Natalie
http://www.rachelgreenandprettythings.com
I heard the same thing! Try setting an alarm at the top of every hour to remind you to move!!! You got this girl!
I have one of the exercise foot rest thingies, lol. Okay so I don’t know what it’s called but it means I am doing footsteps getting the blood flowing whilst sitting at my desk. Your post is the good reminder for us to get up and get moving. Sitting in front of a computer for long periods isn’t just bad for our physical and mental health, but can make us less productive too!
Oooo what is the name of this thingy?! So curious!
Nice post and useful tips . I do use my outlook reminder in my desktop to alarm me every hour for a break ????
Same! Super helpful!
Great article very useful tips. I work in the airline industry where I handle shipping and receiving. However because majority of my work is computer based, where just like you I find myself stuck at a desk most of the day, I regularly take a break every hour. Whether to get up and walk around or even find work to do outside the office I will definitely start to hurt staying at my desk. Thank you.
We feel each other’s pain, but it looks like you have the right idea already Ken. Keep it up!