Office work is a big mental challenge, and sitting at a desk all day is a big physical challenge. Our bodies were not evolutionarily designed for sitting in chairs. Inevitably, due to this restriction of sitting while working on computers, we've seen the rise of a whole scientific discipline of ergonomics to help people sit comfortably and in such a way as to avoid strain and injury.
As I write this post, I'm sitting on the floor typing on my laptop, which is placed on a bedside table. After trying it all, I've sadly given up on ergonomics. I've had the professionals come in and evaluate my office work station; I've requisitioned special keyboards, keyboard trays, foot rests, and monitors - heck, I even used a binder as a laptop mouse pad for months; and I've adjusted my back rest a hundred times trying to find the perfect angle and my monitor to find the perfect height.
If there is one thing I've learned, its that the body does better when it supports itself, which does, of course, require a little strength. In other words, sitting up straight of your own accord will achieve better posture than trying to lean and angle everything perfectly. As for my personal choice of sitting on the floor, it is an art form, an important aspect of yoga practice, and it requires some core strength, but that's another blog post. Leave a comment below if you want to hear more!
For those who aren't ready to give up on chairs yet, there are various things you can do to improve your day at your desk:
get up frequently to move your body,
use those ergonomic principles to create the best work station for your body,
shift into different positions throughout the day while seated,
stretch throughout the day.
As for stretching, there are some asanas you can do without even getting up from your chair! Some are asana modifications, and some are even subtle for when you're feeling self-conscious. I've prepared a few chair yoga practices on YouTube this month to help you find movement in your chair. They can be handy for classroom setups, migraine pain, improved focus, and secrecy. Beyond these practices, a daily yoga practice can help you mentally and physically if you are spending all day in front of a computer. Take care of yourself, and don't forget to get up and walk around.
Have a beautiful day!
Comments