Sitting is bad for you! Get up once every hour - helpful app
I am an online instructor and spend many hours per day sitting. While I do run and attend yoga classes, I still find myself sore from the stress and lack of movement while at my desk.
I found an application called "Time Out" that I use on my computer. When you turn it on, it gives you an alert every 10 minutes to take a 10 second break. I stop and stretch just a bit. It also takes a 10 minute break each hour, that I use to get up and walk around or do something else away from my desk. It helps a lot!
I can certainly relate to not being kosher to sitting for long periods of time. While I exercise and do yoga most days of the week, it is still difficult for me to not be active in daily tasks. Taking a ten minute break each hour does really help your unstiffen your body from sitting on the computer for a long time as well as allow your mind to relax.
We don't realize how much of our day is spent on our butts! Use the stairs, drink water during the day, move around while you teach, and walk the halls during break (also gives you an opportunity to socialize with the students).
I worked in Japan for a year and on all of the instructor computers a similar app had been installed. These mental and physical breaks were mandatory and the Education Department even tracked which instructors were sufficiently "de-stressing" and chastised those who weren't. While some aspects of this policy seem a bit too "Big Brother" for many Americans, its core ideology is very helpful.
Along with Sarah, I find if I spend too much time just sitting at my desk before and after classes, I get very sore.
We have several stair wells on campus, 20+ steps deep, so I will go and take them 6-7 times just to get my muscles and cardios moving!! I feel so much better when I go and burn off the stress!!
Hi Monique. There are lots of apps like the one I found, called Time Out. You could try searching for "break reminder app." Time Out may only be for Macs, but I love it. It's a good reminder to get up and/or stretch.
Sarah
Yes Sarah, and us sitting so long can cause physical problems and health issues. This sounds great...where did you get this?
Monique
Sarah, Wow, that sounds like a very helpful tool. Thanks so much for sharing. I think we probably all deserve at least a 10 second break every now and then. Handy. I like how you are using your break for stretching and taking a moment away from your desk. Very helpful.
Dr. Melissa Read
