Tip: You don't have to follow the model exactly. Do what is comfortable for you.
Tip: Get a Good Chair and Position yourself correctly.
Looking up or down is bad for you.
Instead, adjust your chair and monitor so that you are looking straight into the monitor.
Tip: Stand or sit as straight as you can. Not just now, but for the whole day.
Tip: Consider sitting on an exercise ball for part of the day.
It uses a lot of muscles that we're not used to using. So, ease into it. Start with just 15 minutes at a time.
"If you are stretching correctly, the stretch feeling should slightly subside as you hold the stretch."
Bob Anderson
Tip: You can change videos by clicking on the pictures to the left.
Tip: Go get a large glass of water (not coffee) from somewhere that is at least 50 steps from your desk.
Tip: When you are sitting at the desk, try keeping your hips straight. Don't let your hips roll under you.
Tip: Type Right. Make sure your elbows are close to your sides, and are bent at a 90 degree (exactly sqare) angle. Adjust your desk and chair until they are.
Try not to rest your wrists on the desk or keyboard.
Tip: Be diligent about stretching for 30 days and see if you feel better.
"Good Working Habit No. 1: Clear your desk of all papers except those relating to the immediate problem at hand."
Dale Carnegie
Did you know? Resting your elbows on the desk can lead to a painful problem called Bursitis.
Tip: Doctors agree, breathing is good for you.
If you get a nasty email from a moronic co-worker or customer, use that as a great excuse to stop and breathe deeply 10 times. If the email was exceptionally stupid. Do a stretch.
Tip: Get a virtual workout partner
Tell your friend about StretchClock. It's easier to stay motivated when someone else is involved. Talk about what stretches you like or don't like. Anything to make sure you are both stretching regularly.
Denise has been a licensed massage practitioner and therapist in Mount Vernon, WA for 9 years. She specializes in Swedish full body massage, relaxation, deep tissue, sports injury, pregnancy, stress reduction, and injury rehabilitation massage.
A Skagit County resident for all of her life, Denise and her family enjoy camping and all outdoor activities such as mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.
