When I was still working a 9-5 job, I always find myself with aching back and almost numb butt at the end of the day. I also developed the so-called “one-pack abs” which is supposedly a version of the very famous six pack but this time it all concentrated to one, bulging area, similar to a beer belly. I also found my rear end to be growing each and everyday like it has a life of its own. I used to fool myself thinking that this might be the way Jennifer Lopez grew that sexy backside but when mine grew out of proportions, I knew I had to do something.
Just imagine the relief I felt by the time I bid my absentee boss goodbye. I was thinking that maybe now that I have more time in my hands, I can be healthier, go to the gym everyday and even attend fitness classes in between. I even got as far as envisioning myself in a really tight swimsuit the next summer! The first thing I did after kissing the office door goodbye was to go straight to the gym and sign myself up! That was a year ago..
Now that I have my home office up and running and me being the all-around girl, I usually find myself sitting almost all day, all night! Not that I have regrets or complaints, in fact, I love what I am doing right now—part of the reason why I can’t stand being away from my office for too long. The only problem is, I am, again, stuck in a chair without much of a choice. I bet there are about a million older adults like me experiencing the same so I refuse to give up!
There are ways to beat immobility at its finest. Here are my suggestions for what I fondly called as “healthy sitting”:
·    Replace chair with a stability ball. You know what’s funny, this idea came to me when I saw a picture of corporate workers sitting on a stability ball. Then it hit me: why not?! I must say, it improved my posture while working since I need to balance myself when doing so and took away a great deal of back pain. I still keep an ordinary office chair at bay though when I need a back rest.
·    Move around at least every 20 minutes. Some say, it should be 45 but why wait when at 20 your aging body is already feeling uncomfortable? Stand, walk, get some fresh air, do some stretching, anything to get you out of that sitting position!
·    Avoid slouching by adjusting all your things in a position that will keep your body upright. One of which is your computer monitor which your body tend to slouch over when working. If you have to put it above your head just to keep your body straight, then by God, do so!
·    Install stimulators in your chair. Seniors must have massage chairs when working. It helps alleviate muscle tension and stress during working hours and can also help you relax in times when you badly need so.
·    Make your office space a personalized one. Your space should answer perfectly to your body’s needs. It need not be stylish if it will only sacrifice your comfort and health. If clutter works for you, then clutter all you want!