Healthy Feet at Work: Ergonomic Tips for Desk-bound Professionals
Working a nine-to-five isn’t just for Dolly Parton; it’s for most of us. While these jobs aren’t as inherently risky as jobs such as construction, they can still be taxing on your health, even with those motivational quotes hanging up on your wall. While working a desk job should come with ease, being stagnant and at a desk all day can cause body issues that will affect you for the rest of your life. Staying at your desk all day can cause problems with circulation and pain in your feet. But don’t worry; here are some helpful tips on remaining ergonomic at your nine-to-five job so your desk will not affect your health.
Stay active when you can.
At work, you must get your job done on time. It is essential to keep active when possible to allow your body to breathe and properly circulate. It is suggested that at least 30 minutes of activity be found. We don’t mean a run or a quick trip to the gym but rather consider taking a brisk walk during your lunch break to get some food, or maybe when you go home, walk around the block a little to help combat the issues of sitting behind a screen all day. This circulation from the activity will ensure that your feet remain healthy and happy.
Simple feet exercises while at your desk.
While doing work at your desk, move your feet underneath. Sometimes, we don’t have time for those 30 minutes of activity to ensure we remain healthy at our desks, so why not do the activity while at your desk? Simple foot motions such as toe-tapping and ankle circles will prevent stiffness in your feet and promote proper circulation.
Stretch when possible!
Another helpful tip to start practicing at your job is stretching as much as possible. Quick stretching exercises at your desk can help with foot tension and improve your range of motion. Some discreet stretches you can do at your desk include calf, toe, and foot circles. Doing these simple stretches while working at your desk will maintain your feet’s health.
Pick comfortable and suitable footwear.
Picking the correct footwear can make a massive difference in the health of your feet. Choose comfortable shoes that allow your feet to breathe properly. Choosing comfort when deciding what shoes to wear to work can prevent your feet from aching at the end of a long day and prevent long-term comfort issues when walking. Avoid high heels or any shoe that compresses your toes for prolonged periods when possible.
Stay hydrated!
Drinking water and staying hydrated have numerous long-lasting health benefits. While at your desk, keep a water bottle or two on standby to ensure proper hydration throughout the day. Typically, we all forget to stay hydrated throughout the day because we get caught up in work quickly. Forgetting to stay hydrated can cause cramping and stiffness in your feet, which could lead to other health problems in the future.
While the nine-to-five life isn’t uncommon, we sometimes forget the health risks of sitting at a desk all day. The key to deterring these future health problems from your office job is simply integrating these helpful tips into your daily work routine. From preventing stiffness to promoting circulation, these tips will improve your overall comfort and well-being in the long term.
If you have any questions about this article or issues with your feet at this time, feel free to contact us, we are here to help.
