For some of us, wait, for most of us rather, one of the descriptions of our job is that we have to sit in our office chairs in front of a massive pile of paperwork if not a blaring computer monitor for just about 8 hours a day. And most of the time, we have to do some overtime work, or because we're working on a deadline, even eat our lunch at our desks.
It has become a completely normal routine for most working class people of these times but you see, sitting on our butts for a minimum of eight hours a day is not exactly improving your health nor doing something for our physique. This is the time when you look down your belly, I mean body, smack your forehead and say, what have I done?
Many people will dismiss this, insisting that they have no choice because there is no other way to finish the job than sitting down at our desks. True you cannot type or write standing up (you can try though) but even when you are at work and sitting on your work chair, you can still find some ways on how to be healthy and even lose some weight.
Close your eyes for a minute
You may be expecting something that will work out your body but before you focus on toning your muscles, take care of your eyes first. We notice but we often ignore the fact that because of the nature or our work, our eyes become one of the most stressed out parts of the body. Focusing on a computer screen form long hours can be damaging to the eyes, and can even affect your sight.
Give those eyes a break and take them off the screen. Sure you are catching up on the deadline but surely, a few minutes rest will not hurt. Remove them from the screen and then look outside the window and see some scenery. Avoid seeing some stressful things so better focus on nature. If you can't find nature anywhere, close your eyes for a minute but do not fall asleep, alright?
Sit up straight and don't slouch
Okay now we are getting to the body part. Before you start doing those little exercises, work on your posture first. You cannot get anywhere with your slouching posture. Bad posture is actually rampant among office workers and this is why there is a need to put in new ergonomically correct office chairs in every workplace.
However, you cannot help it if you don't have an ergonomic office chair. But you can rely on your own body. Sit with your back straight, move your shoulders back and level your eye with the top, not center, of the computer monitor. Do not be too high in your seat though. Also, position your keyboard and mouse level to your wrists and lower arms. Your knees should be slightly higher than your hips and see to it that your feet are laid flat on the floor.
Stand up every now and then
Oh come on, don't give that raised brow. Yes you are caught in a hectic schedule but surely, you can fit in some few minutes of your precious time to stand up? Make it a habit to stand up from your seat every half an hour to promote blood circulation that was stunted in the long hours that you have been sitting. Do this when you are downloading, uploading or anything that requires you to wait. And then, when you have finally established this as a habit, incorporate some basic exercises when you stand up.
Stretch those muscles!
And last but not the least is the tip that you have probably been expecting when you opened this article. Do some simple stretches even while you are sitting. Start with your neck by flexing your head forward and backward, up and down, and side to side. Be careful not to roll your head around your neck though to avoid damage.
Then, roll your shoulders forward and backward to release some tension there. After that, roll your wrists regularly. This is especially helpful to typists, secretaries and the like who are in risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Also stretch your chests by spreading your arms wide and pushing your chest forward.
Another good stretching exercise is for the abdomen which is a common problem area. To do this, contract your abdominal muscles, you can even include the muscles in your buttocks, hold them in for a few counts and then release. As for your lower body, roll your ankles like what you did with your wrists to avoid getting "pins and needles." Also stretch your calves by lifting your legs up, holding the position for a few counts and then lowering them down.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5088745
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