These articles came up amongst my resume writer group recently, and given how much we as career coaches and resume writers are sitting in front of a computer, it created some lively discussion!
The Health Hazards of Sitting
Sitting Will Kill You, Even If You Exercise
Why Sitting Is Killing You
Sitting So Much Should Scare You
That conversation started me thinking that many job seekers (or currently employed career changers) might be in the same boat, stuck sedentary in front of a computer for far too long a day. So, I wanted to share with you a few tips that I’ve employed myself! (Let me put the legal caveat in here that I am not a doctor, and none of this constitutes medical advice!)
I’ve been struggling with this the past few years, but I think this year I am FINALLY doing better. Some things I’ve done that have helped:
- See a chiropractor regularly. As a bonus, my chiropractor actually worked wonders on my arms and the carpal tunnel that was starting to become a major problem.
- Focus very carefully on my diet.
- Get a FitBit! It actually motivates me to walk around my house more (instead of waiting to group errands before going up the stairs, etc), take the long way around when out and about, etc.
- I schedule times to go to the gym! I can’t do a lot yet, but I get on the treadmill while my daughter takes ballet and just walk. My stamina has gotten much better, I’ve lost weight, and I’m feeling so much better. As soon as school is done, I plan to add in at least one more day per week, and perhaps add in a yoga class (currently scheduled at odd times at my gym).
- Schedule “move” breaks! I try to schedule my time sitting for short shifts and then force myself to take a break and get up and move around. Mornings I’ll fold a load of laundry, lunchtime I’ll stop and get a few things done around the house, dinnertime I’m running around after my kids! Those breaks have also been really good for my sanity!
- Sit less when I don’t have to! When I’m not busy on the phone, I try to keep moving about! Less TV in the evenings, etc. I’m trying to get interested in hobbies that don’t require much sitting. (Right now I’m working on “enjoying” going to the gym. I don’t, but I still go!)
- Standing while making random phone calls! I do sit to concentrate during client calls, but I actually prefer to stand at the counter in the kitchen while dealing with contractor calls, or dealing with the phone company about their bill for example. Whenever I find an excuse to stand I’m trying to!
- A standing desk? I’m trying to decide whether or not I would actually enjoy it and use one. I know others swear by sitting on an exercise ball.
The absolute best thing you can do for your job search, however, is to SPEND AS LITTLE TIME SITTING AT YOUR DESK AS POSSIBLE. You should be out of your house, networking, multiple times per week! Get out and about, as much as you can! See, networking is good for your health!