Working at the computer for hours a day leads to just as big a rear-end spread as sitting on the couch all day watching television. But you’ve got work to do! How can you avoid the poor fitness that comes with a sit down job?
First, the wisest thing you can do is to schedule breaks every fifteen to twenty minutes. Walk around and do something different for a few minutes. People tend to think that the interruption of thought will hinder their work. On the contrary, folks who actually take these breaks insist that they have twice as much energy and get nearly quadruple the amount of work done each day.
Why? The brain refreshes, sort of like your webpage does. When you come back to a task after a break, you’re more refreshed and ready to tackle your current project. If you have a laptop, that’s even better. Take it to a different room every hour and a half. Watch how your overall energy increases as you change scenery once in a while!
During the wait time on your computer – there’s so much of this – you can do a few stretches. While your page is loading, try these neck exercises to reduce strain and stress in this area.
Slowly, turn your head to the right as far as you can. Hold this position for fifteen seconds. Then repeat for the left side. When you get up for a break, stop at the door frame of your office. Hold your arms in the “hold up” position – as if Jesse James were robbing you and you had your hands in the air (bent at the elbows). Then place the inside of your arms and your palms on each side of the door frame and lean in slowly. Hold the stretch for twenty seconds.
These little stretches can literally save you much stress. Many computer workers end up with a stiff neck or arm and hand pain. Taking frequent breaks and getting in the habit of stretching when you have downtime can lessen the possibility for problems in the future.
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