Man Having A Neck Pain

Don’t Just Sit There: Five Ways to Undo the Damage of a Desk Job

Court reporting can be a real pain in the neck. Literally. We all know that prolonged sitting is bad for our bodies. From organ damage and muscle degeneration to foggy brains and a higher mortality risk, the news is not hopeful. Hence, the rise of standing desks, sitting on an exercise ball, and performing random hip stretches throughout the day.

The consensus among professionals is clear: Don’t just sit there. Here are a few more ideas to consider in your quest for more movement during your workday:

1.Move for at least a minute or two for every hour of work. These mini breaks significantly lower blood glucose levels in office workers, and also refreshes the brain and renews concentration.

2.Change your working position. Is it possible to replace your chair with a yoga ball, or elevate your desk to allow for a break from the standard sitting position? Adding a small massage ball or wobble board for your feet stretches the calf muscles and aids in leg circulation.

3.Take a lunch break. Even if you bring your own snacks, walk at least a full street away from your office or workspace and eat somewhere else. (Need more lunch inspiration? Check out Laura Archer’s Gone for Lunch: 52 Things to Do on Your Lunch Break.

4.Yoga, yoga, yoga. Downward dog and child’s pose are your best friends when it comes to stretching out stagnant back muscles. Consider adding a yoga mat to your daily tool kit, and keep it accessible for a quick but worthwhile stretch.

5.Forget texting. When possible, walk to have a conversation with a colleague. Hopefully, there’s a flight or two of stairs between your workspaces!

If you must sit for long periods of time – and we, as court reporters, must definitely sit for long periods of time! – try to sit properly. Resist the urge to lean forward, relax your shoulders, keep your feet planted on the floor, and hold your elbows at 90 degrees. With just a little diligence and concentration on the correct posture, you’ll start feeling much better in your hips, shoulders, and notice a big difference in your leg circulation.

Our team swears by these tips, and we believe they’ll help you thrive in a movement culture-oriented workplace. Let us know what works for you!