When you’re sitting for long periods at a desk or reading, your body can often develop aches, pains and injuries.
But did you know that your body is actually giving you subtle clues that it needs to move? You just need to listen for them.
When you first sit on a chair, you’re usually positioned quite well (eg. your bottom is at the back of the chair, you’re upright and sitting well). However, over time, you’ll feel your body wants to change that position. You might lean on an armrest or cross your legs, or feel like you want to bring one leg up. You might even start to rest on your elbows or rest your head in your hand.
This is your clue to move! Why?
Well, when your muscles sit in one position for a while, they don’t get a lot of fresh blood and nutrients pumping around. They get tired and start to fatigue, giving up from holding you in a good position. By shifting positions, you create movement that starts to use another muscle group instead and give the first ones a break. But you’re probably moving to a twisted, less ideal or slumped position that will hurt more later on.
So, if you feel the need to lean or adopt a poor position, stand up, move around and take a quick break.
It will allow your body to send fresh blood and nutrients to your muscles and refresh everything, therefore avoiding the uncomfortable positions you were about to take on!
So take a second and move!
If you’d like any tips and strategies for reducing how long you sit for, just ask next time you’re in the clinic!