By Rhonda Campbell
From the time we are children, many of us are taught about the importance of work. If we’re fortunate, we will enter work that aligns with our deepest passions. Even with that good fortune, we may not avoid are work related discomforts, physical challenges and stressors. We may not avoid getting stuck in the rut of sitting down and not moving at work.
It’s time to get moving at work
Tight deadlines isn’t the only stressor that work brings. Eyestrain, joint pain and muscle aches are other challenges and discomforts associated with work. Symptoms of one or more of these unwanted discomforts include:
- Lack of focus (Your supervisor may be pressuring you to turn in a project by a tight deadline, but you’re still having trouble focusing on the project. It could be due to physical discomfort.)
- Growing back pain (It’s not just a mild tinge anymore. The pain in your back is becoming constant.)
- Recurring headaches
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Wrists pain that, if left uncared for, could turn into carpel tunnel
Depending on how long you sit each day, you could also develop a weakened core. For example, a poorly designed computer workstation could cause you to experience aches near your lungs and chest.
Job demands don’t have to keep you from moving at work
Many of these symptoms could be reduced or eliminated if you start moving at work, if you become more mobile like people who have an eye catching sit stand desk in their office. It’s no secret that physical exercise can help to improve blood flow, flexibility, mood and concentration. To become more physically active at work, step away from the office for at least 30 minutes a day.
Use this time to enjoy an outdoor walk. Other actions that you could take to increase physical activity at work include:
- Sitting on a balance ball instead of a stiff, wood or metal chair
- Installing a sit and stand computer station
- Standing several times an hour
- Taking short walk breaks throughout the day
- Parking further away from your office building and adding an extra quarter mile or more to your daily walk to and from work
- Climbing the stairs at work instead of taking the elevator
Getting the most out of sit stand desks
To get the most out of a sit stand desk, choose a sit stand desk that is perfect for your height. Also, opt for a sit to stand computer desktop station that is long enough to fit the adjustable standing desk top. For example, make sure that sit stand solutions you use, products like the TaskMate Go 6350 and the 6100 TaskMate Executive, are built with adjustable keyboard trays, cup holders and desk accessory holders.
A good sit to stand computer desktop station won’t just encourage you to be mobile, the ergonomics solution will be stylish, durable and reliable. It will also fit a single or dual monitor. What the best sit stand desk can’t do is help you to choose the right career. But, who knows? Pain free work and moving at work could open you up to great ideas, the kind of ideas that reveal the very work you’ll find most fulfilling.