You’ve heard it before. “No pain, no gain.” However, in the workplace, pain can be extremely problematic. No one wants to believe that a desk job can be the source of their pains and aches when so many people in physically demanding jobs feel less strain, but that may, very well be the case. However, following these great tips can help you reduce the physical pain your desk job is creating.
Consider a Phone Headset. Not only does this prevent the neck strain of holding the phone between your head and shoulders, but it also allows you to get out of your seat a little bit while conducting business. Getting on your feet can not only be a motivational way to “get the job done,” it can also be an effective way to ward off the pain that comes from sitting in a chair or in front of a computer all day. There are great headsets available in a wide variety of price ranges. The pain relief they provide, however, makes them worth their weights in gold.
Practice Better Posture. Business News Daily recommends sitting up straight as a great way to avoid back and shoulder pain. It also recommends placing both feet flat on the floor as a method of encouraging your body to naturally align itself. Hunching over a computer at all hours of the day can be painful. There’s no doubt about that. So, improve your posture, and adjust your monitor, if necessary, to a height that brings it to your eye level without forcing you to hunch in order to view it.
Stretch those Weary Muscles. The University of Rochester Medical Center offers another bit of advice regarding pain relief. According to the university, you should take an hourly five-minute break in order to stretch your body. Not only does this give you a moment to get out of your desk every hour, but also to stretch out the muscles that may have been tensed without you even realizing it. Don’t limit your stretching activities to your back. Include your neck, shoulders, wrists, arms, legs, and ankles. The purpose is to loosen up a bit before returning to your usual workday routine.
Strengthen Your Core. Fox News suggests that office workers spend a little time doing Pilates or other exercises designed to strengthen core muscles or muscle groups in the body. This can make you less prone to injury and having the need to file a workers’ compensation claim for an injury suffered at work. These exercises not only train your muscles to work more efficiently so you can avoid pain and strain, but also to improve circulation throughout the body which can help reduce pain as well. It’s a double win for you and something you can do “off the clock” when there are no witnesses.
Little things can make a huge difference in the level of pain you feel after a day at the office. Try these today and see how much of a difference they can make for you.
