I always thought that body pain after arriving from work is perfectly natural. After all, I spent all day sitting down and working at the computer – hence locking my muscles in place and reducing my flexibility.
As it turns out however, this doesn’t have to be the case at all. With just a few simple changes in my life, I can reduce office-related pain and enjoy myself after coming back home.
Ergonomic Chairs
Gone are the days when furniture was made specifically for petty reasons. I’ve found that if you throw aesthetics out the window and simply focus on ergonomics, you’ll be able to enjoy a more comfortable office experience.
Ergonomic chairs are specially built to work with the natural posture of the body, which means that there’s no awkward positions while sitting behind the desk. I found that the cost of ergonomic chairs isn’t that much different from regular office chairs – and the cost is more than worth it.
Get a Ball
If you don’t want the added expense of buying an ergonomic chair, you can always purchase a stability ball to help with your core muscles and balance. These balls are typically cheaper and they’re the kind that can be brought home during the weekends.
I found that using a stability ball instead of a chair helps me exercise my core even as I type on the PC. From personal experience, it’s not advisable to use the ball all through the day, but it’s an excellent way to break the monotony of work.
Get Standing Desks
You know what they say – sitting is the new smoking. This is why it’s often a good idea to stand on your feet for a few hours at a time while at work. I’ve found that standing helps me better stretch out my legs and get rid of the kinks around my shoulders.
Fortunately, there are furniture today that can be adjusted so that you can still work whether standing or sitting. Take a look at some of the best sit stand desks in Australia and find one that best fits your height.
Do Some Stretching
Another important reminder is to take routine breaks for stretching. I found that even just 5 minutes of stretching in the middle of the day can work wonders for my body. It boosts my blood flow, makes me more alert, and gives me a fresher look at work.
It’s actually more effective than coffee once I think about it. I prefer to do standing Yoga poses, but the decision is really up to you. Stretching moves, by themselves, can be instinctive so that you’ll be extending body parts that feel cramped.
Skip the Coffee – Go For Water
Staying hydrated throughout the day is very important for blood circulation and muscle development. I find that coffee just makes things more difficult since it’s actually a diuretic. This means that the coffee prompts me to urinate water.
By switching to water, there’s honest hydration happening and I can get the circulation I need. As an added tip – try keeping a large water bottle and marking how much to drink and at what time. This will guarantee that you’ll get enough water throughout the day.
After Care Efforts
Finally, don’t forget that what you do after work also contributes to how you feel. As for me, I like to exercise during the weekends as well to boost my immune system, flexibility, and blood circulation. A relaxing bath and the occasional massage can also go a long way in helping me recover after a particularly bad time at work.
Of course, those are just some of the things I practice to reduce office-related pain. I’ve found that what works changes from one person to the next, so I’d advise that you try different methods to see which one fits you best.
