Spending All Day At Your Desk? You Need To Read This!

We all know sitting all day is not a healthy lifestyle choice, even before the coronavirus pandemic hit. Yet, as we face weeks of movement restrictions and the default work-from-home arrangement, we seem to be sitting a whole lot more.

Working from home and sitting down for long period of time can cause physical problems and pains such as sore legs, stiff necks, or cramped shoulders over time. This is because the blood in your body has trouble flowing properly when you’re not moving.

So as we wash our hands, practise social distancing, stay isolated to repel the coronavirus, how can we make sure we’re not subjecting our bodies to a range of possible hazards caused by bad work-from-home habits? Well, here are some ways to get you healthier, feeling better and more productive as you are working from home!

1. Set up a home workspace

While it can be tempting to pull your laptop into bed with you and get to work from the cosy under the sheets, resist the temptation whenever possible. This is because prolonged working at non-ergonomically appropriate stations can cause adverse health issues and foster poor posture.

A conducive working environment is crucial to ensuring maximum comfort while optimising productivity. It is best to set up a proper work desk that is ergonomically correct where you can view your computer screen at a comfortable height without straining your neck muscle and avoid common overuse injuries, including neck and back pain in the long run.

If you’re using dual monitors, place them in a slight outward V shaped-angle directly in front of you. Make sure the primary monitor is positioned right in front of you and place the secondary monitor to the left or right at about a 30-degree angle to the primary monitor.

Find yourself slouching forward? Lean back to your seat so that some of your weight is supported by the chair backrest, and place your feet flat on the floor for more support. Avoid crossing your legs at the knee as it will restrict blood flow. Try to do some exercises such as wiggling your feet and flexing your calves or rotating your ankles at regular intervals to encourage blood flow.

2. Take time to stretch and practise deep breathing

Daily stretches and deep breathing can help get your blood flowing to the extremities, and increase circulation. The best part is you can do it right at your desk!

Here are the simple stretches that you could do even if you’re in a Zoom meeting:

i. Neck stretch

• Relax shoulder
• Gently move your left ear towards left shoulder. You may use your left arms to help (Tips: Only stretch as far as you feel comfortable)
• Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side

ii. Shoulder stretch

• Relax your shoulder blades
• Reach one arm across your body and gently use the other arm to deepen the stretch
• Hold for 15-20 seconds and repeat on the other side

iii. Side stretch

• Stand with your feet hip-width distance apart and clasp your hands above your head
• Slowly lean your body to one side to feel a deep stretch along the side of the body
• Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the other side

iv. Quad stretch

• Stand up straight and hold onto a chair if needed
• Keep your feet hip-width distance apart
• Gently reach your left arm back and grab your left foot with your left hand (Tips: Keep your thighs lined up next to each other, while your left leg in line with your hip)
• Feel the stretch in your left thigh and hips
• Repeat with your right leg

A new research found that those who engaged in stretching regimen showed significant improvements to their vascular health, including lowered blood pressure, improved blood flow in the arteries, and less arterial stiffness.

3. Pay Attention To Your Circulatory Health

Prolonged sitting and reduction in movement can lead to decreased blood circulation. Blood circulation is essential for a healthy body and mind because our blood carries vital nutrients and oxygen to the tissue, cells, and organs.  Decreased circulation can lead to many different health concerns, ranging from headaches, poor circulatory system to muscle cramps and varicose veins.

Maintaining good circulatory health is a key to lower our risks for various health conditions, especially the heart. This involves making heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Read more by clicking on the link.

A potent circulatory system support formula like Xndo B.PressurRX can provide optimum dosage of Bonito fish peptides, French Melon Extract, Flaxseed Extract, Rice Kefiran, and CoenzymeQ10 to help maintain healthy blood vascular strength, promote good blood circulation and support healthy cholesterol level to keep you strong and healthy as you work  from home.