I listened to a podcast a few days ago about how our bodies intertwine with our moods. In one exercise, we were encouraged to demonstrate someone who feels sad. As I sat in my desk, I lowered my shoulders, dropped my head and made a frown. In my effort to model a sad person I even lowered my eyes and made myself small. We were then asked to sit and be sad for a while. Upon a few minuets, I actually started to feel sad.
After a little over 5 minutes, we were instructed to keep the sad feeling and stand up and do five jumping jacks. He repeated to us listeners to “stay sad” as we jumped. As I did my jumping jacks I tried to keep my humped over frame, lowered eyes and frown…but it was really hard to do. My head was lifted and my eyes watched straight ahead, I didn’t feel the sadness of only a few seconds earlier. It was difficult to feel sad and move my body in a faster pace.
He had made his point right there and could have ended the pod cast.
I thought about that for a while. How just the moving and position of my body had altered my mood and attitude. I encourage anyone who may be feeling sluggish, sad or even just bored, to stand up and move, maybe jog in place, or do a few jumping jacks, put some happy music on and dance. If you are able, maybe go for a walk outside. Just move, breath and get your heart pumping.
Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns, from obesity to high blood pressure. A large amount of small business owners are at their desk for hours on end performing the daily task it takes to run their businesses. I, as an online tutor, spend the majority of my day sitting at my desk with my computer. Before I even realize it, three or four hours have already passed. After listening to this podcast and doing two more of the shared exercises, I decided to make some changes to my work day.
How you can sneak in movement in the workday.
One of the first things I did was to start setting a timer to take a “stand up” five minute break, after every hour I worked. Something that simple made a difference in my day.
Next, I decided to try an idea I got from a kindergarten teacher. I purchased an exercise ball to use as a chair. Using the exercise ball was a joy, until it became a issue as I bounced to much as I worked with clients. But don’t let my silliness deter you from trying it. Its a great way to keep your core engaged and helps with balance and moods.
Finally I added a standing desk to my at home office. This was the thing that took some getting use to. I was able to stand for a while but seemed better able to talk with clients while sitting. This is a great way for a more physically active person to stay active during the work day.
Don’t eat at your desk
Eating lunch while you continue to work at your desk doesn’t save you time and it actually can hurt you, health wise, in the long run. Leave your desk for lunch, go eat in the lunch area, or maybe in you car, (my favorite) for more privacy. If you do choose to eat at your desk, don’t work while you eat. Take your full allotted lunch time and eat your lunch. Afterwards, maybe take a walk around the building or outside, to help wake and energize you for the rest of the work day.
Until next time….
Wishing all small business owners, good health.
* The photos included in this post are of two successful small business owners. R. Hayes owner of Raebodied apparel, a fitness apparel online store; and J. Harris, owner of Jax Tha Trainer, an online personal trainer. (jaxthatrainer@gmail.com). Click the link or send an email to find out more about the two small businesses.
#bossLadyBlooms 
These are great tips, I would have to try them, thanks for sharing this amazing post with great advice.
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These are really good tips to stay fit in Work from Home scenario brought upon by COVID.
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Great information here! Thanks for sharing
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I definitely need this! I am on my desk for 14 hours a day, I need to do something about it, i know this is not healthy.
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Thank you for the tips, I could use this because I work sitting all day.
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Thanks for sharing these tips with me. I work 10 hours a day, Monday through Thursday so you know I appreciate your post.
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These are wonderful tips! I have a job where I sit at my desk most of the day, so the idea of getting an exercise ball to sit on seems really interesting – I might do that!
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Trying to find ways to implement more movement in our everyday is a must. You’ve suggested some great ideas. Thank you for the article 🙂
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Great tips! I should do all these tips as my work entails me to sit for 6-8 hours a day!
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great tips! I have never had a desk-based job in my life so it’s pretty hard for me to fully relate. the closest to it is what I have now when I have periods of time when I spend more time sitting. Movement is everything for me
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I JUST bought a standing desk and it’s a life changer!
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This is so important! I am horrible with it though… I will sit for hours and hours. I am thinking of buying a standing desk…. as that is a good way to stand while working and I read that it actually burns calories and is better than sitting. I am also working on getting up more and stretching… riding my stationary bike and just staying active to combat the sedentary lifestyle.
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Sitting for so long is definitely not a good thing. I like your pointers. It is helpful to have ways to take care of our body when we can’t be physically active.
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Very interesting article with great tips.
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I need this tips! The standing for 5 minutes for every hour of work is good for me. I usually take a walk to a photocopy machine just for a walk 🙂 it helps.
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What a great way to make the point. I really do not think you can be sad doing jumping jacks! It’s important to get up and move.
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Great tips. I struggle to get up and moving from my desk. I’m gonna use some of these ideas.
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What greats to keep fit while working at the desk. My go-to exercise is dancing and yoga when I have to sit at a desk.
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During busy times I always end up eating at my desk without knowing that i’ve extended lunch till 3pm…. 😦
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These are great tips! I am struggling to find the time right now so remember to actually take lunch is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing!
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