We’ve all been there: sitting at a desk for hours, glued to the same spot, only to move from chair to car seat to sofa.
Modern life seems designed to keep us sedentary, but breaking this pattern is easier than you think – and it can be surprisingly fun!
Here’s how to shake things up and inject movement into your day with some clever, quirky ideas.
1. Stick It to Sitting
Transform your desk into a motivator by plastering it with Post-it notes. Write down movement prompts like “10 neck turns” or “5 shoulder rolls” and scatter them around. Every time you see one, do the action or set up a half hour alarm on your phone. Bonus: change them weekly to keep things fresh.
2. Unstiffen Your Neck and Shoulders
Incorporate simple moves into your workday. Do slow neck turns, gentle shoulder rolls, or seated spinal twists every 30 minutes. These exercises ease tension and boost circulation – perfect for long days at a desk.
3. Use Resistance Bands
Elastic exercise bands are a fun way to spice up your ‘deskercise’ routines. At Sundial Clinics we give these bands away with a treatment session and we can show you some simple resistance-based exercises that can be done right there at your desk. Seated rows, leg presses or overhead stretches can be discreet ways to boost circulation and reduce all that stiffness caused by prolonged sitting. Try out the exercises in this video to start you off!
4. Rethink Your Commute
If driving everywhere is your go-to, switch things up. Walk or cycle short journeys. If public transport is an option, get off a stop early and stride the last stretch. You’ll burn calories, clear your head, and save on petrol.
5. Redefine Waiting
Waiting for the kettle to boil or a Zoom call to start? Use those moments wisely. Try marching on the spot, squats or practising a quick plank or press up against the counter. Every little bit counts.
6. Celebrate Micro-Movements
Movement doesn’t have to mean a sweaty gym session. Wiggle your toes, rotate your wrists, or stretch while standing in a queue. These small motions energise your body and keep stiffness at bay.
Taking charge of your movement isn’t about overhauling your life; it’s about sprinkling small, joyful actions into the day. Break the sitting pattern and reclaim your vitality – one Post-it note at a time.