Spring into Better Health

What do you do to remain active at work?

Ah, Spring Time. The weather is getting warmer, the birds are chirping at all hours of the day, the streets smell like flowers, and every time you walk outside there is a bit of a bounce in your step. Because, well, why shouldn’t there be? Life is grand! The world is beautiful!

Unfortunately, your boss didn’t get the memo, and you still have to come into work every day while the sun is shining outside.

If this situation sounds familiar, I have two suggestions for you:

1) Get outside when you can during work and enjoy the perfect weather. For anyone else based in the south, you know that you better get outside and enjoy it before it is too hot!

2) Use an adjustable height desk or even a treadmill desk during the work hours that you are required to be inside.

After all, just because you’re inside doesn’t mean you should be stuck sitting at your computer!

But I like sitting, you think as you sit in your chair reading these words. What’s the problem?

Well, I’ll tell you the problem(s):

• More than one-third of Americans are obese.
• The rate of Type 2 Diabetes has increased 176 percent since 1980.
• Only 3-5 percent of people meet the minimum recommendations of physical activity (150 minutes of moderate activity per week), and 33 percent are completely sedentary.
• Heart disease, regularly brought on by poor diet, lack of activity, and excess weight, is the leading cause of death in the US
• Obesity and inactivity are responsible for 300,000 premature deaths and over $90 billion in direct health care costs each year.

Now if that didn’t get you standing up at your desk, I don’t know what will.

And of course, when you can, get outside and take a walk—listen to the birds, feel the sun on your face, breathe the fresh air. Ah!

But until your boss starts allowing walking meetings 100 percent of the time and Monday-Friday work from the park days, I suggest you look into an adjustable or walking desk. And maybe ask for an office with a window you can open.

What are your solutions to staying active while at work? Do you use a walking desk or adjustable height desk?

Sources: NIH.gov, CDC.gov