| Let's face it, I sit too much. The chances are you | | | | to the supply shelf and pick up those post-its |
| also sit too much. Various studies are pointing to | | | | you've so badly needed, walk outside and call one |
| the worrisome possibility that the more you sit | | | | of your parents or significant other and see how |
| the shorter your life span. This makes sense, as | | | | their day is going, do some ergonomic stretches, |
| comfortable as sitting can be at times; our bodies | | | | do anything that gets you away from the desk |
| weren't really designed to do it for a long period | | | | and on your feet. This will accomplish both a |
| of time. | | | | physical and mental break. I've found that I can |
| Although this is a physiological issue and not a | | | | accomplish much more after taking these breaks |
| philosophical issue, the wisdom of the Greeks can | | | | than before. One useful way to remind yourself |
| still be applied to our subject. The Temple of | | | | to do this is by employing a device commonly |
| Apollo at Delphi bore the inscription Meden Agan - | | | | referred to as an egg-timer. |
| 'Nothing in excess' and Aristotle taught of the | | | | 3. If you're going to sit, at least sit right |
| "Golden Mean" which is the desirable middle | | | | Working comfortably, something that at times is |
| between two extremes. With that in mind, the | | | | dismissed as being a luxury, it is actually very vital |
| goal we have here is to not sit too much. | | | | as far as productivity is concerned. Ever hear of |
| Different strategies for not sitting: | | | | that saying, "a happy worker is a good worker"? |
| 1. Stand | | | | Well, it's true, and I speak from experience. There |
| Not very convenient if you're at work, but you | | | | are a wide variety of ergonomic chairs that can |
| can accomplish this by incorporating a sit to stand | | | | suit different needs and body types. My favorite |
| desk into your work environment. Utilizing a sit to | | | | chairs are the Ergohuman, the Liberty, and |
| stand desk has done wonders for me. You know | | | | especially the Amia. |
| that time about an hour after lunch when you | | | | 4. Non-traditional Solutions |
| just feel like crawling under your desk and taking | | | | Try using a wireless headset. Stand up and walk |
| a nap? Well, yes the height adjustable desk can | | | | around while on a long call. The seat-belt light is |
| help you accomplish that, but I've also found that | | | | off and you're now allowed to move about the |
| this is the best time to raise the desk up and | | | | cabin. |
| work from it standing. This coupled with eating an | | | | Try using the Via Swopper chair, sometimes |
| apple later on has helped me stay productive | | | | referred to as an ergonomic stool. It's a very |
| through out the day, without feeling any of the | | | | interesting design which moves with you |
| energy lulls in the afternoon. | | | | dynamically. The Swopper forces you to stay |
| 2. Take "Micro Breaks" | | | | balanced and use muscles that you wouldn't |
| Micro-break examples: take five minutes to walk | | | | normally use while sitting. |
| around, visit briefly with a coworker, make a trip | | | | |