Now that we are sheltered in place, it’s easy to spend more time sitting while watching TV, working on the computer, doing homework or participating in conference calls. This may contribute to over-stressed muscles due to poor postural alignment.

The average sedentary time for an American is 9-10 hours each day, and this was before the COVID-19 outbreak. Research has shown that if we sit less and move more, we live longer. Now is the time to pick up something that can be easily incorporated into your daily schedule. The main thing is that you stay moving more than you sit for your overall health. If you perform physical activity, remember to stay hydrated and to take frequent breaks every hour.

  1. Connect virtually. Talk to your family members instead of emailing or texting them. Walk around the house while you talk on the phone.
  2. Identify virtual fitness buddies. Partner up with friends, family members or colleagues or join a Facebook group to make physical activity a group effort and hold each other accountable.
  3. Get up and move around more often. Try standing up during conference calls or setting your cell phone alarm once each hour for a 30-second stretch and five minutes of standing.
  4. Move around or do some exercises like sit to stands while watching TV.
  5. Walk and take the stairs when you can. Park at the back of the parking lot and climb the stairs to get in some extra steps.
  6. Evaluate your work set up while you are at home and make sure it’s ergonomically efficient. Check your head, shoulder and hip alignment to make sure they are in a straight line. You could also purchase a sit-to-stand desk to decrease blood pressure, back pain and blood sugar.
  7. Garden or take on a house project. Use special tools to decrease your time bent over. Many stores now carry ergonomic friendly tools that can be purchased online to decrease stress on your hands, backs and knees. Using knee pads are also helpful.
  8. Start a daily walking regime. Take a walk after each meal to lower blood sugars immediately following a meal. At first, try walking only 15 minutes on level surfaces, depending on your baseline physical fitness and then progress slowly until you are able to walk for 30-60 min – this is excellent for your heart and joints! If you have allergies, remember the pollen count is typically highest in the morning and during warm, dry, windy weather according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, so save your outdoor walks for the afternoon or evening when it’s cooler and after it’s rained. If you’re walking at night, remember to wear reflective gear for visibility. After walking, performing heel cord stretches can help prevent shin splints.
heel-cord-stretch
Heel Cord Stretch

Position your body against a wall as shown with either foot behind. Point toes directly toward the wall and hold your heel down. Lean into the wall as shown so that you feel a stretch. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat twice, two times each day.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Connected Pain: How Your Neck May Be Causing Your Headaches

If you have ever dealt with nagging neck pain, you are far from alone. In fact, research shows that roughly half of us will experience a significant episode of neck pain at some point in our lives. Whether it stems from a sudden whiplash injury, age-related changes like arthritis, a pinched nerve, or simply the daily muscle strain of looking down at our phones or computer screens, neck pain is incredibly disruptive. It can present as a dull ache or a sharp, catching pain, and it often robs you of your ability to turn your head comfortably. But there is another common symptom of neck stiffness that surprises many people: headaches.

Occupational Therapy vs. Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Occupational Therapy (OT) and Physical Therapy (PT) are distinct, separate professions, each requiring its own specialized education, licensing, and expertise. Because both fields share the ultimate goal of improving a patient’s independence and quality of life, their roles can sometimes seem to overlap.

Aphasia

Aphasia and the Role of the Speech-Language Pathologist

Aphasia (pronounced uh-FEY-zhuh) is the medical term used to describe difficulty with the production and comprehension of language. This can occur after a stroke or other injury to the brain. In addition to speaking, aphasia can also affect listening, reading, and writing. Individuals with aphasia may experience trouble finding the right words and producing intact sentences, which can impact their ability to express themselves as well as having trouble understanding what others are saying to them. In the most severe cases, a person with aphasia may be non-verbal, meaning they are not able to speak at all.

Reframing Your Outlook on Aging

May is Older Americans Month—a time dedicated to encouraging older adults to take an active role in their well-being through prevention, wellness, and self-management. Yet despite these empowering goals, aging is still often framed negatively in our society. By shifting how we think about getting older, and about ability more broadly, we can create a more positive, inclusive experience for everyone.

Simple Tips to Stay Active

Staying active doesn’t have to mean long workouts or a packed gym schedule. For most people, it’s really about finding simple ways to move more throughout the day. Those small choices—done consistently—can add up to real benefits for your energy, mood, and overall health.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.