Better Than a Standing Desk?
By Sara Butler
If you've got a standing desk, then you've declared to the world that you strive to be healthy. These trendy workstations are all the rage, but they may not be the only thing you can do to bolster your healthy habits at the office. There are other gadgets you can use at work or even simple ideas you can employ that will help you to keep your health front and center, even at the office.
Take a Walk
Sitting has been called the new smoking and for good reason. People who lead sedentary lifestyles are at a higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. One solution that doesn't involve standing at your desk all day is to simply get up and, you know, walk around. Set an alarm on your computer or phone to remind yourself to get up at least once an hour, do a few stretches, and walk around a bit. That can go a long way in helping you to stay healthy, even if you don't use a standing desk.
Use a Fitness Tracker
Fitness trackers are nice because they help you, well, track your fitness. More specifically, they help you keep track of your steps all day. Set a daily step goal for yourself and then do what you need to do to make it happen. That may mean taking a walk at lunch, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or standing up and walking in place each time you're on the phone. The fitness tracker can help you monitor your progress.
Balance Your Core
Remember when people sat on balance balls to help build their core as they worked? Well, that idea is still a great one, even if you see fewer people doing it at work.
Sitting on a balance ball or a special stool with a balance ball built in can help you balance as you work, engaging your core muscles and building strength. One of the biggest hazards of sitting too much is losing muscle tone in your core muscles; these muscles help to support your spine and keep you healthy. So, do a balancing act with a balance ball as you work!
Drink!
Something as simple as making sure to stay hydrated can help you keep your energy levels up through the day and reduce your irritability. Take a bottle of water with you each day to work with the goal of finishing it in a certain amount of time.
Standing desks are great, but there's more you can do to ensure you stay healthy and active at work.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Memphis, Tenn.