Whether working in the office or working from home, it is essential to keep moving. It may be tempting to skip taking a break to finish a project at work, but research shows that can be counterproductive, both physically and mentally.
Chaining yourself to your desk not only negatively impacts the body, but also mental well-being and overall productivity. Working for long stretches without breaks can lead to stress and fatigue and may increase some health risks.
“It is absolutely vital today that employees look after their health and well-being and are supported in doing so by their employers,” says Freya Dingemans, physiotherapist at Align wellness studio in Camana Bay.
“No posture is a good posture when done for long periods of time. Movement is medicine for the body.”
Dingemans adds that breaks are an important part of the workday, whether at the office or
at home.
“Sitting down all day has a big impact on our bodies and minds,” she says.
That includes everything from contributing to poor circulation, wear and tear on joints, and muscle imbalances, which, in turn, can cause pain and dysfunction.
For example, prolonged sitting can weaken leg and glute muscles as they’re not being used to support and stabilise the body.
“Other muscles, such as our hip flexors, become tight from being held in a shortened position, which can lead to pain,” Dingemans says. “Studies have found that sitting for a long time also reduces your mental health, so all the more reason to keep moving.”
Taking regular breaks – even a 30-second microbreak – not only lowers the chance of injury, but helps refocus on the task at hand, boosts creativity, prevents burnout and even improves job satisfaction.
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