![]() Micro-Breaks: Preventing the breakdown of your body at work! As a practitioner I have come to the realization that keeping “perfect” posture throughout the workday is physically and mentally exhausting for most people. Your musculoskeletal system (the system that keeps you moving) is constantly working to keep your posture and alignment—this exhaust the system just like a workout would. This is why rest is a key component to ensure the performance of your postural musculature. Frequent, consistent, and properly prescribed micro-breaks decrease the risk of injury and improve the health and quality of your life. When you are at work your brain is constantly active, assessing your surroundings and counter-acting gravity. When your posture is compromised gravity takes control and exerts pressure on your spine and in turn taxes your muscles and nervous system; causing aches and pains. Over time this systemic pressure causes repetitive stress/cumulative trauma injuries that show up as reduced range of motion, arthritis, disc degeneration and a accumulation of scar tissue. Numerous studies have shown that prolonged sitting, poor posture, and inactivity throughout the day lead to a plethora of cardiovascular, emotional, and physical ailments. A recent study found that forward head posture (bad neck posture) over time increase the likelihood of needing assistance with normal activities of daily living by DOUBLE (Kamitani K, et. Al). *activities of daily living are simple tasks like getting out of a chair, or using the bathroom The good news is that you can restore your posture by doing simple daily tasks that don’t require you to sit like a robot! Must do Micro-Breaks Shoulder-
Hands-
Eyes- these are often neglected!
*Each micro-break should be performed for 30sec. to 1 minute. Pick a different one to do every 30 minutes throughout the day. Remember this is just a short list and there are hundreds of options and ways to keep moving while at work. Move better feel better I also recommend that you get up as often as you can throughout the day and walk, stand or just move!
Micro-Breaks should be performed every 30 minutes throughout the day. Switching them up during your day keeps your body guessing and helps with compliance. Make sure to set goals for doing a minimum of 10 micro-breaks a day. RockTape can also help with postural assisted taping to "remind" you to stand tall Keep up to date @MVMT's FB page with all your health and wellness needs!
#movebetterfeelbetter #sittingisthenewsmoking 1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23359541
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September 2015
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