My Second Kind Piece Of Advice From One Warrior To Another...

That is a good reminder, thanks.

It reminded me of an article I read not too long ago about how sitting for more than 14 minutes at a time turns off the "readiness" response in our muscles. They just go slack and your metabolism slows down. The brain turns off that "readiness" energy as it is not needed.

That's why I try to get up a move around every ten minutes or so, that is, when I remember. Easier said than done

I'm big on following the Pomodoro strategy of focusing 100% on the task at hand for 25 minutes and then having a 5 minute break. After repeating four cycles of this, then I will have a longer 30 minute break.

During those 5 minute breaks I remain active. I do stretches during one break, shoot some hoops in another one, do some deep breathing in a break after that and so on. This is a powerful strategy for staying highly productive and to get the blood moving after sitting frozen in the same position for a period of time.

Good on you Ross for bringing this subject to light as it's an important reminder!

Alex

I've been on what you could call a "health kick" as well. It is more that I am finally realizing that my habit were making me more unhealthy.

I've taken to starting my day with a walk before I even sit down to check my email. It has actually improved my productivity a lot because I have more energy and I am generally in a better mood all morning!

Love this thread! Thanks Ross for starting this.

I've recently asked the same question to a friend of mine, who is a yoga instructor and this is the advice she gave me:

When you are at your desk, do yourself a favor and pay attention to the placement of your head. Chances are, your head is in a forward thrust. This has knock-on effects - shallow breathing, reduced energy level, muscular problems, headaches and digestive issues.

Now, sit up straight, sit bones firmly planted on your chair. Before you begin any adjustment, think... s o f t. Relax your face, your jawline, the front of your neck and your shoulders. Close your eyes (your choice) and focus on breathing into the back of your head, whilst allowing your head to drift up and back (chin is level) allow the shoulders move sideways as you breathe in.

As you exhale, allow your shoulders to gravitate down, ribcage draws in but keep the front of the body open and long (do not collapse!). We are working towards getting our ears in alignment with our shoulders. Trust the wisdom of the body to get you there. Take as many breaths are you need and when feel you have hit the 'sweet spot' stay there for a few more breaths, or as many breaths as you like. Enjoy, you're on the homestretch! Open your eyes and ignore the strange looks you may be getting from your colleagues. Carry on working as usual.

Lesson of the day: Don't let your head get ahead of you.

Hope this helps!

Cheryl

One of the bloggers I follow (David Risley) actually had an article on his blog (or maybe it was an email to his list...I can't remember) where he discussed thst he had purchased a stand up desk in order to prevent the very problem of sitting down too much.

I normally keep a golf club in my office, and to avoid sitting down for too long at once i'll get up & take a few swings every 20-30 minutes or so.

Hey, it helps me so I figured I would pass it on!

Hello Ross,

You're so kind to share this to us.

I read the article and what can be more mind-boggling about this part:

"...researchers discovered that people who sat for 11 hours a day or more were 40 percent more likely to die - from any cause."

Wow, me and my fellow Help Desk Associates are normally on our shift for 10 to 12 hours. Well, we sit when we type and we're not one of those coolest (or weirdest?) dudes who stand while they type. I need to take a 15-minute break after this and jog from my desk to the pantry.

Buy one of those kneeling chairs, whatever they are called, makes sitting less damaging

Chris

I try to get off my chair and get some water and stretch once an hour. Next hour I'll need to make room for more water. There are times when I am so focused on my work that the only thing that gets me out of my chair is the impending explosion of my bladder. At least I know I'm well hydrated!

You scared the **** out of me. I will now take a walk.

And don't forget to look both ways before crossing...