Science tells us that our 40+ hour desk job is killing us. As a writer, I certainly notice that when I’m sitting at a desk for eight hours in a row, stuff goes wrong! That’s why I’ve put together the eight ways that I move more every day.
10am: Coffee Break
We did not find any relationship between coffee consumption and increased risk of death from any cause, death from cancer, or death from cardiovascular disease. — The Relationship of Coffee Consumption with Mortality, Harvard
Perhaps not the cheeriest news I’ve ever seen, but coffee is a must. For me, it keeps me alert and cheerful. And, at 10am, I’m not sure what else I would need!
11am: Flip it and Reverse it
While a full headstand might cause a ruckus in the office, flipping my head upside down is extremely beneficial. Plus, even just getting up to touch your toes is a major change from sitting for a full eight hours.
12pm: Walk it Off
The easiest way to add a bit more walking into your life is to walk further (duh). Choose a lunch spot two blocks further, and take the stairs on the way back.
1pm: 5 Minutes of Ohm
We show that FA meditation and OM meditation exert specific effect on creativity. — Meditate to create: the impact of focused-attention and open-monitoring training on convergent and divergent thinking, Frontiers
The quoted study shows that open monitoring meditation, where you observe the inner and outer without judgement, actually opens the mind up to creativity. Instead of focusing on a single point, open monitoring meditation opens the mind to multiple possibilities. It’s the perfect way to reinvigorate the work day — opening yourself up to new ideas.
2pm: Just Dance
It’s gonna be okay, as Gaga comforts. Here, let me help you get started. And also: no dancing in your seat.
3pm: Mini Yoga
Get the blood flowing with simple, short sequences. It’s the perfect afternoon pick me up.
I’m currently all about Move, Nourish, Believe’s sequence:
4pm: Snack Attack
If you’re like me, and hanger is a real concern (as much to the people around you as to yourself), snacking is necessary. I like to get up and run to a local coffee shop for a small sweet treat (like a piece of dark chocolate, or a biscotti) and possibly another doppio macchiato. Nom nom nom!
Anytime: Get Present
Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life. — Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
As often as I remember, I try and take a deep breath and focus on what I am doing at that present moment. The more often I can focus on the now, the less worry, anxiety, nervousness, and fear can seep into my life. Try it — you might like it!
