Do you work in an office? You’re not alone. A great many people now commute to a workspace, sit at a desk all day long, and then come home. Have you ever considered the impact that this sedentary lifestyle has on your health though? Don’t miss these helpful tips for practicing healthier habits on the job:
Take regular breaks from the screen
Staring at a computer screen for hours and hours each day may seem normal, but it could be hindering your eyesight. While many office jobs rely heavily on the continuous use of technology, the last thing you want is to put your sight at risk.
Recent research found that computer users are in danger of getting a new ailment known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). The symptoms of this condition include regular headaches, dry eyes, double vision, eye strain, and eye fatigue, all of which is sure to be a hindrance to your everyday life. While you may not be able to cut out computer use altogether, it’s important to take regular breaks. Every 20 minutes or so, stop looking at the screen and focus your eyes on something else for a couple of minutes.
Support your wrist health
Similarly, many office jobs require people to type away all day long. Since one of the major causes for carpal tunnel syndrome is repetitive, strenuous movements, this activity could well be putting your health at risk. The problem may manifest as a dull ache in your arms, tingly sensation, or as a weakness in your thumb. When you notice these symptoms, it’s important that you do something about them. Left untreated, this issue will only worsen and become more painful over time.
So, how can you treat this problem? Well, it’s really a case of pain management and making sure that you can cope on a daily basis. Investing in a supportive brace for pain relief could help you to manage the symptoms of the syndrome. Equally, you could find that resting your wrist now and then when you’re at work may ease the strain.
Keep as active as possible
Sitting around all day while you work is no good for your general health and fitness. Humans are supposed to move around and burn calories. If you’re not doing that, you could well find that you begin to pile on weight and may also struggle with other health-related problems.
More than a third of adults in the US are now considered overweight, according to research from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. What’s more, around 1 in 13 adults are considered to have extreme obesity. These numbers are unsurprising given how many people work desk jobs and the typical American diet. It’s clear to see that something has to be done.
Staying active outside of the workplace could be the answer. Cycling or walking to work will give you the short and sweet cardio burst that you need. You could also consider taking up an active fitness hobby, such as salsa dancing or Zumba. These healthy activities should be enough to get you moving when you’re away from your desk.
Anna Leake is a health blogger that focuses on topics related to nutrition, fitness, and mental health. She was born in New York City but at age 6 moved to the Midwest where she spent her childhood exploring nature with friends and family. Anna graduated from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with degrees in psychology & human development.
