Life & Business:
Did you know that sitting for long periods is very damaging to our health? Unfortunately by our career choice, those of us in online business world have less active time than say a nurse or a waitress who is on their feet all day long.
And unfortunately, research is now showing that we can’t just go to the gym and think it’s going to undo the damage from sitting too much.
We may need to think about sitting and exercise as two separate behaviors, each contributing on its own to our health. So while that 1-hour jog is great for you, it may not undo the 8 hours sitting at your desk. – Source: WebMD
We are victims to suffer … or are we? 🙂
Here are four ways to continue to work efficiently but yet keep from harming your health.
- Use a timer. I love setting a timer for 45 minute increments to get my most productive (money-making) tasks done. I start the timer, knowing exactly what I’ll be doing for the next 45 minutes and then I GO GO GO until that timer goes off. I don’t get distracted or head off to “research” or any other justifiable excuse to procrastinate, I just write, create, or plow through obstacles until I’m done. When that timer goes off, I get up and go stretch my legs, move some laundry over, go outside and play with the puppies, or run to the mailbox or do some yoga for about 15 minutes or so. I might even throw on my swim suit and do a few laps. Then, I sit down and start that timer again. I do this so that it accomplishes two things. First, I get my money stuff done FAST so I can get off the computer. Second, I break up my sitting time to keep my energy and blood flow going and keep me healthier.
- Sit on a balance ball. For the past 10 years, I have been spending a lot of work time sitting on a balance ball
. Apparently this is a “thing” as now they sell Balance Ball Chairs
. But really I prefer the plain balance balls because I can roll back and forth while I’m typing which feels good, stretches my back and hips and is better for me in general. It works your core, so even if you don’t get thin, you’re still getting stronger. The important thing in getting a balance ball for working on is getting the right size. So, take a peek at the sizing charts before you order one.
- Standing desks. I’m drooling over these and I think I’m going to grab one soon. I have a few friends that have been using them and they say they are much more productive and feel more energetic than they did flopping into a chair every morning. So, stay tuned. This is the one that Pat Flynn has http://www.beyondtheofficedoor.com/vertdesk.php – so that’s a good place to start learning about them if you’re interested.
- Treadmill desks. Similar to standing desks, people actually have Treadmill Desks
and swear by them. I do not, so I’ll just link to one on Amazon so you can research. I’m not specifically recommending the one that I’m linking to… just giving you a place to start looking if your’e interested.
- Bicycle desks. I ended up buying this instead of a standing desk. It’s probably not quite as effective since I’m still sitting, but I’m able to type quickly while peddling unlike when I’ve tried to work standing up -which just hurt my back.
Of course, there are a few other important points I want to make about this.
1. Be efficient. I try to remember that every moment that I spend in front of the computer is a moment of my life that I can’t get back. I ask myself “Am I happy to be spending my time as I am right now OR am I wishing to trade this moment for something better?”
2. Outsource when possible. I know that many people don’t think they have the money to outsource tasks, but if they are roadblocks standing between you and profits, then it’s costing you more NOT to outsource it. AND it’s costing you time sitting on your bottom when in some cases, a trip to Fiverr and $5 in your pocket could free you up to cook dinner and save $30 that you’d spend on Dominos PLUS get more done on your business.
3. Again, GET UP! Set that timer and GET UP frequently. Don’t get a water pitcher for your office, make yourself walk down the hallway to get a glass of water or cup of coffee. Don’t bring snackies to your office, keep them in the kitchen so you have to walk down the hall to get them. (Just some tips that I use.)
Awhile back I took my daughter downtown so she could go with her youth group to hand out food at Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen. It gave her an opportunity to grow her servant’s heart and I’m happy to take the time to drive her down and back. I listened to her stories on the way back with my whole brain and not just part of it while thinking of other things.
Also, here’s another tip. Recently I went through more of my clothes in the back of my closet to see what I hadn’t worn lately. I always intentionally hang up my clean clothes in the front of the closet so the items towards the back are the things I don’t wear much. Either they need to be reloved by me or they will be donated to someone who WILL use them. There is NO point in me storing old clothes when there are so many in need of decent clothing that makes them feel worthwhile. 🙂
Big hugs and high fives,
Nicole