In the past, I’ve worked a desk job. That desk job doesn’t always allow for a lot of movement and healthy eating. You probably already know, but a lack of physical activity can create an onset of many health risks, but what do you do if you’re in a desk job?
For many people with a full time job, it can be very hard to fit in any type of physical activity and therefore they rely solely on nutrition during the week. If you have a demanding full time job, your focus is split between the time at work or dealing with the demands of your household. If you’re in a corporate setting, it can be even more challenging.
Many people in a corporate work environment are sitting more than 5 hours a day. Crazy, right? You’re either working at your desk or in meetings the majority of the day. Unfortunately, this sitting can lead to decreased longevity, among other things. The American Journal of Preventative Medicine actually found that sitting for long stretches of time can increase our risk for heart disease and cancer. What’s even more shocking is that even if people had physical activity in their lives, their lifespan was still shortened because of the extended periods of sitting.
What do we do to slow the aging process?
One way to do this is to switch to a standing desk or one that can be adjusted throughout the day. While many corporate offices are getting with the times and having these available, there is more to do.
If your desk job doesn’t have standing desks available, change up your meetings. Switch from meetings in a conference room to mobile meetings and hold your meetings on the go. This mobile meeting allows for business activities to take place while allowing small groups for people to get moving. Think of it in the Spring or Summer – get in some fresh air and get work done! It’s the best of both worlds, really.
Unfortunately, both of these options may not work for you. If that’s the case and you just cannot find time to leave your desk, why not get in some activity at your desk.
How do I move my desk?
Make sure you’re sitting with the best posture you have. This means sitting up straight with your abdominal muscles engaged. Sitting like this helps you strengthen your core and can help to reduce the early onset of cancer.
Do some leg lifts while at sitting. This will not only work the strongest muscle group in your body – your legs. You will also your core at the same time. If you keep weights or stretch bands at your desk, you can even add some intensity. You can do even more too! Just think about squats, tricep dips and wall push-ups just to name a few.
Stand and stretch at least once an hour. Stretching your arms and legs will help prevent stiffness throughout the day.
Whatever you decide, make sure you factor in some physical activity throughout your day. It can be as little or as much as you want, but your body and mind will thank you later.