Xbrick - multifunctional furniture for the healthy workplace
- We are pleased about this contribution of our partner meisterleistung GmbH | 360° Gesundheitsmanagement: Full Service Agency for Occupational Health Management!
Technical level
At the workplace, there are various options that can prevent problems from sitting. For example, there are height-adjustable tables, which can then also be used for standing work. In addition, there are often many different settings on the chair, so that in addition to the height, the armrests, and the backrest can be adjusted. Make sure that your chair is adjusted to suit you. Particularly high-quality chairs also have a so-called “dynamic seat function”, in which the chair yields somewhat and thus the muscles have to “work harder”.Organizational level
Many activities simply have to be done at the computer, but try to make all appointments in your workday that do not have to be held at a computer in a different posture. For example, meetings could be held outside, standing up, or maybe even taking a walk.Personal level
As a consulting company in the field of BGF and BGM, we repeatedly come across four behaviors in everyday life that you can personally change to counteract the consequences of sitting a lot:1. Dynamic sitting
Movement is also possible while sitting, albeit on a smaller scale. Try to take advantage of this and change your posture while sitting as often as possible.
You should actively sit differently at least once or twice an hour. Or use the “dynamic sitting” function mentioned above if your chair allows you to do so.
2. Stand up in between
Getting a glass of water, printing something out, making a phone call or simply stretching for a moment: these are all good reasons to stand up briefly. Take advantage of such opportunities and try to add standing to your sedentary routine as often as possible. If you even have a table that can be raised, use it regularly! It’s best to make a little reminder in your computer so that you don’t forget to stand up in between.
3. Several short breaks
After just a few minutes of sitting, our metabolism shuts down, but to get it going again and again, it’s better to take several short breaks from standing and moving around rather than just one long one. Try to shake out your legs, stretch or do short movement exercises during this time.
4. Use muscles
In order to boost our metabolism while sitting and at the same time prevent tension, it is important to use our muscles while sitting. To do this, you can actively target and tense various muscle groups while sitting. For example, tighten the abdomen, the back or the buttocks, hold for a few seconds and relax again. Repeat the whole process a few times.