“6 hours of sedentary behavior a day linked to neck pain”
Headlines about body aches always catch my eye. Call it an occupational hazard. But this one really caught my attention. Xybix customers tend to work 10- to 14-hour shifts—way more than 6 hours—and most of their jobs are sedentary.
Dispatchers, radiologists, air traffic controllers, and the like are crucial to our health and safety. But an occupational hazard they live with is that their jobs are tied to desks. And this can lead to reaching for the ibuprofen after a long shift. Fortunately, ergonomic sit-to-stand desks directly address the sedentary behavior that can cause pain—if you actually use it.
Sit, Stand, Repeat
When you’re dialed in to your work, hours can pass without notice. Hours of sitting. To reduce this sedentary behavior, make it a habit to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. The goal is a 1:1 ratio—sit for half your shift and stand for the other half—to promote blood flow and prevent muscle fatigue.
Easier said than done, I know. You may need to set an alarm or make a habit of standing after each break. And not to make this harder, but I don’t mean hunching over the keyboard, slouching in your chair, or standing like a soldier for hours. Try to sit and stand in ways that protect your body and mind.
The Art of Sitting
The Art of Standing
Depending on your work, you may enjoy a little wiggle room while standing. Turn, pace, stretch, sway if you can without losing focus. Heck, I play music sometimes to get me moving!
Why Work in Pain?
Who wants to work with a pain in the neck—or anywhere else? The secret to working comfortably over a long and intense shift is to make all those bells and whistles on your ergonomic desk work for you. Alternating between sitting and standing is a great to start, but your sit-to-stand desk can do so much more for your mind and body. Learn more about posture, desktop height, monitor placement, and reach zone here:
If you’re more of a visual learner, check out the videos here—and feel free to reach out to Xybix any time. We’re standing at our desks and ready to help!