It's off to work we go...

It's off to work we go...

Did you know that most adults spend more than seven hours per day sitting? And, as we get older that increases to ten hours. 

When you consider our daily routines - driving, sat our desks all day - it's not surprising that our bodies start to complain.
 
We are not made for sitting for long periods of time - strain on necks, herniated discs, muscle degeneration and weakened bones are just some of the problems that can occur.

How to sit properly:

• Sit on your sit bones (if you slide your hands under your bottom you can feel these bones directly under your hands)

• Make sure your back is against the back rest of the chair

• You should be able to draw a straight line from your ear down to your hip

• Adjust the height of your chair to ensure your elbows are at the same height, or just above, the desk so you are not reaching for your keyboard.

Should you get a Sit-Stand desk? 

The answer is yes, but only if you are going to use it properly. This type of desk allows you to break up hours of uninterrupted sitting whilst remaining productive.

However, standing all the time can be tiring and that can lead to poor posture. And standing badly is just as bad as sitting badly!

What else can you do to help your body?

• Get up regularly and walk around - try setting a reminder on your phone for every 30 minutes

• Roll your shoulders and head to loosen up your neck and shoulders

• Stand or walk around while on the phone

• Take the stairs and walk up escalators

• Take the bus or train? Stand rather than sit

• Don't cradle your phone between your shoulder and your ear - use a headset or go hands free.

• Take up an active hobby

Standing in moderation is very useful for encouraging you to change position regularly, keeping your joints mobile. Poor posture can lead to fatigue and poor concentration, so it's worth experimenting with this approach to find out what works for you.

And, should you need us? Please call us to book an appointment on 01256 466 266.