Welcome to the #WFHWednesday series
Working from home has become the new normal for many; however, many are noticing it’s having a bigger impact on their bodies compared to working at the office.
Most think it’s because they no longer have the fancy ergonomic set ups. While that may contribute, I don’t think it’s the biggest factor. We know from the research that improvements in ergonomics have not drastically changed aches and pains associated with prolonged desk sitting.
I believe the biggest factor is that people aren’t moving as much. When you were at the office you would walk to meetings throughout the day or walk to a co-worker’s desk to ask a quick question. Now all of these things have shifted online through virtual platforms or email. We’re literally glued to our chairs and computers.
The best thing you can do to feel better throughout your work day is to MOVE! Just MOVE. Movement helps with blood flow, which helps eliminate waste that accumulates throughout the body as a result of normal cellular processes. Waste tends to be more acidic, which sends an alarm to the brain that there is the potential for damage in the body. The brain responds by sending pain to these areas where waste has built up. It’s the brains way of motivating you to take action. It wants you to MOVE.
Another symptom of reduced blood flow is stiffness. We tend to accumulate fluid with waste. Extra fluid in an area, especially our joints, can make it feel more challenging to move. The best way to combat this is to MOVE. Movement will increase blood flow and start to move accumulated fluid and waste out of our body. This will help us to feel more mobile and less stiff.
There are a few other benefits of movement when combined with breathing. We will be incorporating breathing into each of the exercises we post! We even have a separate post that discusses breathing. That’s how important it is! Combining movement and breathing helps our bodies to take in oxygen and eliminate waste more efficiently. More oxygen and less waste mean more energy, which helps combat fatigue.
Breathing with movement is also a great way to get your organs moving. Our organs were meant to move. When we sit hunched over our computers all day this doesn’t happen very well. One reason is that it’s actually challenging for us to take a deep breath when we are hunched over our computers and in our own little world. Additionally, sitting in this position squishes our organs and makes it more challenging for them to move in general. Breathing and moving is a great way to get your organs moving! It’s like a massage for your organs. Your body will thank you for it!
Continue to check out our IG feed over the next few months. We will be posting different movements you can do either sitting and/or standing at home to get your body moving!
We recommend moving AT LEAST ONCE every hour. Twice will make you feel even better! Set an alarm or put a reminder in your calendar. This will help you make it a habit. Take 30 seconds to move. You have the time and it will help you feel better and be more efficient and productive!
Mix and match the options we provide. Variety is the spice of life!