Are you sitting too much?
We sit at our desks, we sit in our cars and then we sit to eat and watch TV. You’ve probably heard the saying that “sitting is the new smoking”. We are generally aware that sitting for long periods is not good for us.
Studies have shown that spending more than six hours seated can raise our blood pressure and can increase our likelihood of heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and depression. Additionally, there are also the musculoskeletal problems that can occur – the sore back, neck, wrists, and so on!
With summer approaching if can feel a lot easier to get out and about in the evenings, but it is still important to move throughout the day.
If you find yourself sitting too much during the day, here are some tips for being proactive about moving your body at work.
Get up from your desk and go for a walk, be it around the office, to the water cooler, photocopier, etc.
Rather than email someone all the time, get up and visit that person who sits on the other side of the room with your question! You will be able to practice your interpersonal skills too.
Your body is designed to move. This doesn’t need to be a yoga session, just a few minutes a few times a day – click here for some useful stretches.
Get the blood pumping and don’t use the lift whenever possible!
Take that brainstorming meeting for a walk around the block!
Instead of sitting at your desk while you’re on the phone, try taking phone calls standing up.
Instead of having a large bottle on hand, have a smaller one so you need to get up and refill more often.
A good set up will help to avoid any aches and pains.
Poor workstation set up is a health and safety risk. Workstations that are set up with the correct positioning of equipment can prevent risk of injury and strain on the body.
Intesafety conduct workstation assessments in the Nelson region, including:
For more information about ergonomic workstation assessments, contact us.
Written by Clare Radbourne