October 2016
4
Think on Your Feet! By Marguerite Richmond I’m a slumper. I can’t help it. I get drawn into what I’m doing, especially on the computer, and before I know it I’ve got a crick in my neck and my back hurts. I tried for years to train myself to use good posture at my desk, but it never worked. Then I realized that if I stood for any length of time, I felt better. So on a whim, I tried a standing desk. It took a while to get used to, but I gradually increased my time until I was standing all morning, and sitting in the afternoon. After a month or so, I was standing all day and loving it! Why? My back and neck didn’t hurt, I had more energy, my concentration improved, and I no longer felt sleepy after lunch. Plus, when I had to go to a meeting, it actually felt good to sit down. We know sitting all day is bad for our health, but standing all day can seem daunting. So for those of you who would like to explore the option of a standing desk, here is my advice: • Try it out first. You can use a small bench, sturdy cardboard box, books, or whatever you have on hand to raise your monitor and keyboard. Raise it high enough so your forearms are at a 90 degree to your keyboard, and the top of the monitor is at eye level. It doesn’t have to be pretty, but it does need to be stable. • Stand at your computer for thirty minutes and see how you like it. You’ll probably want to sit down after a short time, and that’s okay. But if you find it helps you focus, and gives you energy, try it for an hour the next day, and then gradually increase your standing time. • If you decide standing is for you, these desks come in a variety of styles and prices. I purchased a Halter brand desk from Amazon for about $300, but you can also make your own. With an IKEA “Lack” table, “Viktor” shelf, and 2 “Ekby Valter” brackets you can build a standing desk for less than $30 (see photo). • Invest in your feet. A good anti-fatigue mat can make all the difference! • Want to know more? Stop by my office in the Executive wing any time, and check out my standing desk and Ergo mat. I’ll even let you take it for a spin!
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Transcript of October 2016
Think on Your Feet! By Marguerite Richmond
I’m a slumper. I can’t help it. I get drawn into what I’m doing, especially on the computer, and before I know it I’ve got a crick in my neck and my back hurts. I tried for years to train myself to use good posture at my desk, but it never worked. Then I realized that if I stood for any length of time, I felt better. So on a whim, I tried a standing desk. It took a while to get used to, but I gradually increased my time until I was standing all morning, and sitting in the afternoon. After a month or so, I was standing all day and loving it!
Why? My back and neck didn’t hurt, I had more energy, my concentration improved, and I no longer felt sleepy after lunch. Plus, when I had to go to a meeting, it actually felt good to sit down.
We know sitting all day is bad for our health, but standing all day can seem daunting. So for those of you who would like to explore the option of a standing desk, here is my advice:
• Try it out first. You can use a small bench, sturdy cardboard box, books, or whatever you have on hand to raise your monitor and keyboard. Raise it high enough so your forearms are at a 90 degree to your keyboard, and the top of the monitor is at eye level. It doesn’t have to be pretty, but it does need to be stable.
• Stand at your computer for thirty minutes and see how you like it. You’ll probably want to sit down after a short time, and that’s okay. But if you find it helps you focus, and gives you energy, try it for an hour the next day, and then gradually increase your standing time.
• If you decide standing is for you, these desks come in a variety of styles and prices. I purchased a Halter brand desk from Amazon for about $300, but you can also make your own. With an IKEA “Lack” table, “Viktor” shelf, and 2 “Ekby Valter” brackets you can build a standing desk for less than $30 (see photo).
• Invest in your feet. A good anti-fatigue mat can make all the difference!
• Want to know more? Stop by my office in the Executive wing any time, and check out my standing desk and Ergo mat. I’ll even let you take it for a spin!
Berny and her family hiking Mt. Rainier
Gay riding the smoothie bike at the staff BBQ
Send an email to [email protected] letting her know you read this newsletter to be entered in a drawing.
UPC MING EVENTS
October 2 – Family Nature Hike – Point Defiance Park, Tacoma October 5th – Walk Tacoma – Downtown Tacoma October 8th – Zombie Apocalypse Run – JBLM October 8th – Mugs and Pugs (Dog Friendly 5K) – Graham, WA October 9th – Oktoberfest NW Stein Dash – Puyallup, WA October 14th – Harvest Fest at Norpoint – North East Tacoma
October 15th – Brighter Futures Run – Trick or Trot 5K – Olympia, WA October 15th – The Human Race 5k – Point Defiance Park, Tacoma October 22nd – Black Cat Fun Run – Point Defiance Park, Tacoma October 29 – Marshall Monster Dash 5k – Olympia, WA October 29 – Pumpkin Dash 10k or 5k – Tenino, WA October 29 – Spooktacular Sprint 5k – Priest Point Park, Olympia, WA
This newsletter is brought to you by your Wellness Committee.
For any tips, suggestions, or to submit Healthy “Selfies”, funny memes, articles and recipes please email [email protected].
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