If your nature of work involves using a computer most of the day, then pay close attention.
Staying seated for long hours can actually be unhealthy.
According to an article published by Harvard last year indicated that too much sitting can have “harmful effects on sugar and fat metabolisms, both of which affect a person’s risk of diabetes and heart disease.” Other health hazards include those related with the person’s posture.
Dr. James Levine of Mayo Clinic also had this to say about the subject:
“Lack of movement slows metabolism, reducing the amount of food that is converted to energy and thus promoting fat accumulation, obesity, and the litany of ills—heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and more—that come with being overweight.”
So what should you do about it? Here are 5 practical health tips:
Photo credit: Pixabay
1) Observe proper sitting posture.
Do not slouch and make sure that your feet are flat on the floor while you are working. Also, the appropriate height of your computer monitor should be at your eye level. Ideally, you should sit close to your keyboard. Your shoulders should be relaxed as you rest your hands on it. Ensure good lighting to protect your eyesight.
2) Use ergonomic office furniture.
Of course, a comfortable, ergonomic chair can be extremely useful for you. Actually, there are other computer users who have ditched chairs for good by using standing desks or even treadmill desks.
3) Take frequent breaks.
Implement the Pomodoro technique in your work routine. This method involves working 25 minutes straight at a given task, staying focused on it, and then going for a 5-minute break. Use a timer or an app for this.
When it’s time for your break, walk around the office, go to the bathroom, or do some stretching. It’s very effective in reducing your sitting time, eliminating muscle tension, and resting your eyes. Plus it greatly increases your productivity.
4) Make exercise a priority.
Include exercise in your regular schedule. You can do daily or at least once a week, depending on your preference and availability. Either way, keep in mind that there isn’t any shortcut in maintaining good health so this is really important.
5) Eat healthy snacks.
Coffees, donuts, and junk foods are your enemies. Slice up some fruits or grab some nuts. Avoiding unhealthy snacks can be very much worth it in the long run.