Many of us are working from home full-time now as a result of our changing environment. Companies are adjusting and looking at ways to keep their employees safe at home because at the end of the day they can’t afford to risk half their workers falling ill by inviting them back to the office.
Am I the only one that can confidently say I’m actually enjoying more time at home? Well whether you are enjoying more time at home or counting down the days until you can go back to your “real” office there is one thing that we all need to be aware of and that is that many of us are getting less physical activity more now than ever. Instead of walking to the bus stop, subway, or even just the halls of your old office for our career, now we are just moving from our bedroom to our home office… that’s hardly a workout.
When you don’t have regular physical activity, joint stiffness can start to become a real issue because you’re not using your muscles as much, and our bodies are suffering. If you’re feeling stiff and want to keep your joints healthy, here are some things you can do.
Keeping Your Weight Healthy
Excess weight is one of the leading causes of joint problems. When you carry more weight than your frame can bear, the tissues in the joints begin to break down. Eventually, the knees, hips, ankles, and back all begin to suffer, and you wind up with multiple joint problems. The Arthritis Foundation found that for every pound you gain in weight, the pressure on your joints increases by four pounds. Yikes!
Move More
If you don’t commute to work anymore, you need to think about your daily activity and movements more. Instead of sitting in your chair and working all day, make an effort to go out at lunchtime and get physical activity. It doesn’t have to be anything extreme – just a brisk walk will do.
Walking (or any other form of exercise) teaches your body to adopt the correct posture. It also assists if you’re trying to lose weight. Exercise may even protect the joints by telling cells to churn out additional proteins to create supple movements.
Stand Tall
Poor posture is one of the leading reasons people visit their chiropractor. Having correct posture is essential because it helps keep all joints, bones, and ligaments in the right place. When parts of the body fall out of alignment, it can possibly lead to other health issues. If you have poor posture, consider working with a professional. They teach you exercises that counteract the adverse effects of sitting down all day in front of your desk.
Adjust Your Diet
Finally, stiffness can also result from the type of diet you eat. If you eat a lot of salt, sugar, and fat it can lead to the loss of mobility in your joints. This effect happens because the cardiovascular system finds it harder and harder to supply them with nourishment.
You can reduce symptoms, however, by making some simple adjustments to your diet. Increasing your intake of essential fatty acids and adding anti-inflammatory foods can all help. Berries and greens are the best options here. And drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated.
As always visit with your doctor if you are noticing a change in your weight or having issues with your joints. Sometimes small changes in your daily routine such as starting your day with a walk or even watching what you are eating can make a huge difference in your overall well being.
