Get up, stand up: The key to being healthier and more productive at work
- August 3, 2015
- Author: Matt Rice
- Category: Workplace Health
I work in an office and sit in my big comfy chair. I’m all set, right?
I’ve been on both sides of the field: I’ve had a desk job and a non-desk job. When I had a non-desk job, I always complained about being on my feet all day. Now that I have a desk job, I’m always thinking about the amount of time I spend sitting down. I guess…I’ll never…win.
What’s wrong with sitting for so long? Some common problems include:
- Shoulder impingements caused by internally rotating your arms all day while you work. This can lead to pinched nerves.
- Poor posture caused by slouching, which can cause back problems and a curved spine.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
When I had a non-desk job, I stayed mobile. At my desk job, I get about an hour of physical activity a day, usually during my lunch break when I go to the gym. But is that really enough to prevent the long-term side effects of prolonged sitting?
It’s recommended that a person who works at a desk job should stand five minutes for every 30 minutes of sitting. Studies have shown that this can “boost employee energy, engagement and efficiency.”
You’re probably saying to yourself, “Oh mighty blogger or whoever this guy is that is writing this post, please save me from the wrath that is to come.” You’re in luck! I have a few suggestions that may save you.
- Walk around and stretch every 30 minutes. You can stretch, stop by a colleague’s office and chat about that new project or go fill up your water bottle.
- Make sure you have wrist rest. I know that it may look cool to rest your hands on a bare desk or to have callouses (it’s a guy thing), but cool points are out the window in this case.
- Watch a video or two about ergonomics, which is the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. This will help with posture, muscle fatigue, increase productivity (employers love that) and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
Now that you know what needs to be done, it’s up to you to just do it.
