Pledge to Stand

Fitness Breaks Between Work Schedules are Mandatory to Stay Flexible

Sitting continuously for long hours has been linked to poor posture, persistent back pain and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Just because sitting is bad for health, all of us cannot quit jobs, switch over to jobs that demand moving around or work in a standing posture all the time. What we can do practically is to incorporate a few changes here and there to avoid the hazards of sitting together for prolonged hours continuously:

Stand: Stand for 2-3 minutes every hour to activate muscles and upregulate metabolic processes.

Sit on a yoga ball: Replace your normal chair with a stability ball and sit on it for 20-30 minutes a few times each day to work on your core. For more information on healthy tweaks to your boring desk job, please visit the website www.firsteatright.com.

Walk while you talk: Schedule walking meetings to improve mood, concentration and blood flow to the body.

Go for fitness breaks: Do as many rounds of 10 wall push-ups, 10 squats and 10 calf raises as you can in a 10-minute break.

Don’t eat at your desk: Work outside for some time or take a small walk outside to boost productivity and increase job satisfaction.

Drive a cycle: Commute by bicycle or on foot for a more active and a less stressful day.
​
Perform office yoga: Breathe deeply and move gently for 5-10 minutes to ease stress and cultivate mindfulness.