By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    What Are the Benefits of CBD?
    November 27, 2021
    How to Measure Adult Diapers- The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Size
    March 8, 2022
    medicine cabinet
    The Effect Of Finished Dosage Form Manufacturing In New Drugs
    July 5, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    writing medical training manuals
    Important Tips For Writing Medical Training Manuals
    October 28, 2020
    BioPharma Beat logo
    BioPharma Beat: mHealth Apps – to Regulate or Not to Regulate
    May 12, 2015
    Tips for Small Businesses to Reduce Healthcare Costs
    February 5, 2021
    Latest News
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 18, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
    Building Smarter Care Teams: Aligning Roles, Structure, and Clinical Expertise
    May 18, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Stay Healthier by Avoiding Sedentary Habits Working from Home
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > Stay Healthier by Avoiding Sedentary Habits Working from Home
Wellness

Stay Healthier by Avoiding Sedentary Habits Working from Home

Understanding the ways you can maximize your health while working can help you stay productive, comfortable, and healthy as you navigate remote work or any desk-based job.

Aises Jammy
Last updated: September 16, 2024 10:01 pm
Aises Jammy
Share
7 Min Read
work from home injuries
DepositPhotos Elnur_
SHARE

We have talked a lot about the health risks of the workplace. But did you know that working from home can create health risks too? One study found that 42% of people started reporting more injuries since working at home.

Contents
Why is a sedentary lifestyle so dangerous?Why is movement so important?Want to bring movement into your workday?1. Take breaks2. Stand up and stretch!3. Use a sit and stand desk4. Go for a walk in your meetings5. Exercise at the deskHow can ergonomics help?The road to healthier working

With remote working on the rise, many of us sit in front of the computer for hours on end – without realizing the impact a sedentary lifestyle can have on our health. While you think you might have done your due diligence by creating an ergonomic workstation to prevent repetitive motion injuries, you need to know that it’s equally essential to bring movement into your daily routine to avoid the health issues associated with prolonged sitting periods.

Following a guide to working ergonomically will help with your posture and alleviate other working-from-home-related pains. Still, regular movement is also essential to combat the adverse effects of inactivity.

Here, we will explore the risks of a sedentary workday and provide tips on staying active and healthy while working from home.

More Read

CarePlanners New Model for Helping Mom and Dad
How To Protect Your Mental Health During Divorce
Blood Pressure Drugs May Cut Alzheimer’s Dementia by 50% [VIDEO]
The 4 Biggest Reasons You’re Not Sleeping Through The Night
Identifying Roles and Maximizing Success in the Pursuit of Health and Wellness

Why is a sedentary lifestyle so dangerous?

Imagine your chair as a ticking time bomb, with each hour you spend seated adding pressure to your spine, weakening your muscles, and slowly chipping away at your health. Research has linked extended periods of sitting to a host of issues, including back pain, obesity, heart disease, and even increased risk of certain cancers. It also places pressure on your spine, leading to poor posture, muscle stiffness, and strain on the lower back.

Even if you’d put the time into creating an ergonomic setup, sitting for hours on end without moving will give you muscle pain!

Not to mention that when you’re sitting all day, you’ll burn fewer calories, which can contribute to weight gain. This is particularly common with people who work from home, where the usual opportunities for movement, like commuting or walking around the office, are absent.

Why is movement so important?

Incorporating movement into your workday not only helps alleviate physical discomfort but also boosts mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being. Moving regularly keeps your muscles active, improves circulation, and helps prevent stiffness in your joints. Additionally, short breaks that involve movement can help refresh your mind, allowing you to return to work with improved focus and creativity.

The good news? Movement is a powerful antidote to the perils of prolonged sitting, alleviating physical discomfort and boosting mental clarity, productivity, and overall well-being. So, while you might think that incorporating regular activity into your workday will only be about physical health – it’s also a boost for your mind! Here is what regular movement can do for you:

  • Keep your posture in check: Frequent position changes help maintain a healthier spine alignment.
  • Boost your circulation: Keep your blood flowing and reduce the risk of clots.
  • Clear your mind: Movement breaks can refresh your mind, enhancing focus and creativity.
  • Mitigate your stresses: Physical activity triggers the release of mood-enhancing endorphins.

Want to bring movement into your workday?

Ready to break free from your sedentary shackles? Here are some practical strategies to weave movement into your work routine:

1. Take breaks

One of the simplest ways to avoid sitting for too long is to take regular breaks throughout your workday. One way to do this is to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to stand up, stretch, or walk around for 20 steps. These short breaks can make a big difference in relieving tension and maintaining circulation and will slowly increase your step count throughout the day.

2. Stand up and stretch!

Having a good stretch every now and then will help to relieve muscle tension, and is a quick and easy way to get moving throughout the day. Simple stretches such as reaching for the ceiling, touching your toes, or twisting your torso can help combat stiffness.

3. Use a sit and stand desk

Sit-stand desks are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, giving you some much-needed movement. If a sit-stand desk isn’t an option, then DIY one! Use a laptop stand on a counter or high surface to create your own temporary standing desk.

4. Go for a walk in your meetings

Instead of sitting for every phone call or virtual meeting, try walking while you talk. Having a walk meeting will be a great way to get moving while staying productive.

5. Exercise at the desk

Desk exercises are quick and easy ways to stay active while working. These exercises, such as seated leg lifts, shoulder shrugs, and seated marches, can be done at your desk without the need for special equipment. If you want to go the extra mile, then you can even use a walking pad to use under your standing desk.

How can ergonomics help?

Now, while we have brought your attention to the importance of moving throughout the day, you also can’t forget the importance of ergonomics. Make sure that you have the correct chair height, monitor placement, and desk setup to minimize strain on your body while working. Other additions like ergonomic chairs, wrist rests, and monitor stands are important, but they should complement regular movement to create a truly healthy work environment!

The road to healthier working

While creating an ergonomic workstation is crucial for maintaining comfort, incorporating movement into your workday is equally important for long-term health. By taking regular breaks, standing up, and performing simple exercises, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting and improve your overall well-being.

TAGGED:stay healthy
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025
How Therapy Can Improve Your Mental Health and Daily Life
How Therapy Can Improve Your Mental Health and Daily Life
Mental Health
June 18, 2025
healthcare facilities
Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
Global Healthcare Infographics
June 15, 2025
from gut to glow
From Plate to Wellness: How Everyday Foods Nourish Your Body Inside and Out
Dental health Infographics Specialties
June 15, 2025

You Might also Like

Wellness

5 Important Ways You Can Help Fight Childhood Obesity

April 5, 2019
Home HealthWellness

Poison Prevention Week 2018: Stay Aware of Common Toxins in the Home

March 6, 2018

Popular Diets That Are Backed By Science

December 9, 2019

Be Your Own Masseuse: Self Massage to Relieve Caregiver Stress

June 1, 2012
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?