Desk jobs can have negative consequences on your health. Continuous sitting and the lack of movement that comes along with it increases your risk of musculoskeletal disorders, contributes to weight gain, and leaves you with general aches and pains.
It’s essential to take steps to help alleviate the stress desk jobs can have on your body. In this article we’re sharing 5 tips to help you stay healthy when you have a desk job.
1. Set up proper sight lines
How often do you find yourself looking down at your computer and getting a sore neck or headaches as the result of it? We would take a guess that it’s likely a lot.
It’s important to maintain proper sightlines by adjusting the height of your monitor so you can put your neck and head in a comfortable position and not have to contort them to look at your screen. You want your neck to be in a natural position, without having to look up or down. Desk risers are a great solution to adjust the height of your monitor, or if you’re in a pinch you can stack up a few books.
2. Maintain proper posture
Sitting crossed legged, tucking on foot up on your chair, slouching or rounding your shoulders and not the correct ways to sit at your desk. Repeatedly doing so can result in back pain, tight glutes and hips, and general aches and pains.
When your sitting at your desk make sure you keep your back straight and place both feet on the floor with your toes facing forward. You want your spine to be in a natural position. If you’re struggling to maintain proper posture at your desk investing in an ergonomic chair will help to position your body in a more natural state.
3. Switch up your work space
Adding variety to your workspace to switch up your body’s positioning throughout the day can help to alleviate the continuous stress on your body that comes from sitting in the same position day in and day out.
Consider a standing desk, swapping in an exercise ball for your chair throughout the day to engage your core, or a treadmill desk if your office has one.
4. Schedule walking meetings
If you have a meeting where you don’t need your computer on hand, why not switch it to a walking meeting? Grab your colleagues and head outside for your brainstorm sessions or project updates. A little bit of movement in your day will do wonders for your body, and the fresh air and exercise can also help manage stress.
5. Take regular breaks
When you’re sitting at a desk all day, regular breaks are necessary. Get up and walk around the office or do some stretching at your desk. Try out the Ultimate Deskercise Routine to help alleviate pain, discomfort and improve your range of motion.
For those of us who sit at a desk all day, maintaining a healthy body can be a challenge. If you find yourself with aches and pains from your desk job contact us today to find a therapist or physician that can help you find balance in your body again.
