The past 50 years revealed that at least 8 out of every 10 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 Reserve the Risks
- Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
- Use an alarm on your computer, laptop, phone, or Apple Watch to remind you to 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.
We have put together a few workplace stretches to help:
- Enhance Flexibility
- Improve Circulation
- Promote Relaxation
- Decrease Healthcare Costs
- 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 that 66 percent of participants felt more productive with a one-hour increase in standing time, while 71 percent of people felt more focused.
GET MOVING! But What to Do?
Movement-Break Stretches You Can Do at Work!
Here are some great examples of movements you can try to do throughout your day. Learn them and build a great habit to reap to rewards of a healthy body.
Perform these stretches 5-10 minutes before the start of work and after any work break of more than 15-30 minutes. Our talented teams of physical therapists can work with you to create a stretching program that’s specific to the muscle groups you use during your daily work routine. Find one near you today for more information.
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.
Looking for More?
Check out these 4 exercises you can do at home while watching TV Small changes can make a big difference!
