Do you often get in the car after a long day at work and can’t believe how worn out you are? It’s almost silly how fatigued we can feel after simply sitting at a desk all day! If you spend all day hunched over a desk and computer (feeling like Quasimodo) you know exactly what I’m talking about, right?
Fact is that full-time office workers face considerable health risks. A desk job can wreak havoc on our bodies. Whether it’s lower back pain or a lack of mobility, when we spend all day in front of a computer to pay the bills, our bodies often get stuck picking up the tab.
We are not sedentary creatures, but our lifestyles have forced us to spend 70% of our days sitting down. Did you know that if you have a desk job, you’re twice as likely to contract cardiovascular disease than people with standing jobs? You’re also more likely to develop colon cancer and obesity, and your risk of diabetes increases by a staggering 112%. All of this because your default position is to park it!
However, It’s not all doom and gloom. There’s been a ton of literature about office ergonomics. And yes, choosing a good office chair and tilting your screen could make a difference, but remember that the most important thing in your workstation is you.
We have 7 tips on how to improve your wellness at work:
Make a DIY standing desk. This will enable you to sit less and move more throughout the day. Look for a setup that allows you to adjust the height of your workstation and use a chair when needed. Be sure to keep your computer monitor at eye level and your arms bent at 90 degrees to reach the keyboard, to avoid neck and arm pain. Mix it up; sit and stand while you work.
Walk, walk, walk. Run errands on foot, take the stairs and park further away from your destination.
Clear the air. Office environments could trigger occupational allergies hampering brain power. Consider an air purifier for your desk.
Paint the walls green. Can’t do that? Add a plant to inspire a feeling of wellness and creativity. Opt for green leafy plants rather than cacti, who’s spikes create the opposite of a relaxed feeling. All shades of green have been linked to creative thinking.
Use aromatherapy. Did you know that the smell of citrus can lift your spirits, and improve concentration and memory? Try an aromatherapy dispenser that makes your workplace smell like lemon.
Adjust your lighting. Sit near a window if possible. Natural daylight keeps your stress levels and circadian rhythm in check. If windows aren’t an option, consider a desk lamp with a cooler, blueish light
Use a headset. Craning your neck to hold a phone in place while fumbling for papers leads to neck strain and pain.
We are all products of our environment and by making small, subtle changes we could combat the negative effects of having a desk job, and in the process, inspire others to create a better, healthier work environment.
Source: per.lacity.org, www.painscience.com, www.nerdfitness.com, www.innovativeos.com, www.menshealth.co.uk, www.creativeboom.com, www.drops.com, www.huffingtonpost.com, www.nbcnews.com, blog.bulletproof.com, www.ehstoday.com, www.thebodyatwork.com, ergo-plus.com, www.halth.com, www.officevibe.com, www.unh.edu
