NOSS by the Numbers: Move for 10 Minutes Each Hour
Have a desk job or working remotely? Get up and move!
When we think of workplace injuries or ailments, many often associate them with physically demanding jobs. Some studies show that being sedentary or sitting at a desk all day can have lasting negative effects as well.
As such, if you have a more sedentary job, it may be beneficial for your health and well-being to move around. Our bodies aren’t necessarily made to stay still for many hours at a time. The human body was made to be in a state of movement. If we sit still too long our minds can get weary, and studies show that our performance can go down.
If you work from home, taking a quick walk around the neighborhood during phone meetings can be a great way to stretch your legs and back to reduce discomfort associated with sitting for long periods. Some studies show that exercise, in this case, walking, can help keep the mind sharp and focused.
Scheduling exercises around daily benchmarks may be a great way to integrate activity into your workday.
You could do an exercise directly before each meeting, or after you tackle a particularly boring or demanding task. This is not only motivating, but it also helps you plan your movement into your day so you don’t forget to get up and stay active.
The University of Michigan recently reported the following benefits of moving each hour:
- Increased energy
- A clearer mind
- Improved mood
- Higher metabolism
- Increased blood flow
- Improved posture
If you’re not working from home but have a desk job, you can still make a point of getting up and moving around each hour. Some ways of being active each hour can include walking around the office, going outside and getting some fresh air and sunlight outside, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and socializing with colleagues.
Be aware of your activity and if you can, make small changes toward more physical movement. You may see great results starting with small changes.
If you feel you may be suffering from an injury due to sedentary work, it is important to see an expert that can understand and diagnose your specific condition. If you’d like to request an appointment at NOSS, please don’t hesitate to request an appointment online or give us a call at 203.755.6677.
