Now that summer is here and it is heating up, the motivation to get away from your desk and take a walk outside may not be very appealing when it is very hot. However, for better health and your sanity, it is important to get away from your office desk periodically or at least take a few moments to stretch and get your blood circulating.
Here are some tips to get your body moving, blood circulating, and reduce stress: Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Take a 15-minute walk around the office.
If working on the computer all day, shake your hands rapidly. Do this several times throughout the day.
Stretch your wrists, stretch your arm out with palm down, and with your other hand, pull your fingers down. Hold for three seconds. Then pull up on fingers. Hold for three seconds. Repeat and alternate three times.
Do shoulder and neck rolls in a circular motion. Repeat 10 times.
To stretch your ankles and calves, hold one foot off the floor with your leg straight. Flex your ankle by pointing your toes up. Extend your ankle by pointing your toes down. Do this ten times, and repeat with your other leg.
Sitting in your chair circle, move one foot clockwise, then counter-clockwise, and repeat by switching feet.
To work your chest and shoulders, place both hands on your chair arms and slowly lift your bottom off the chair. Lower yourself back down; however, stop short of the seat and hold for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times.
Sit facing forward in your chair, turn your head to the left and your torso to the right, then hold for a few seconds. Repeat 10 times and switch sides.
Sitting in your swivel chair with your back straight and feet hovering just off the floor, place your fingertips on the edge of your desk and twist to each side, starting from the left and then the right. Repeat 10 times.
There are benefits to taking a few minutes to exercise and stretch throughout the day. By exercising and stretching, employees can improve their work-life balance by squeezing in some activity amid their busy lives. Research has shown that employees who engage in physical activity are more likely to have job burnout.
Reflection Question:
Which of these tips will you start incorporating into your daily routine at work?
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