5 Simple Tips to Relieve Aches for Office Workers

If you work in an office, you know that sitting at your desk all day can take its toll on your body. Whether you’re hunched over a keyboard, bent over your mouse, or sitting on an uncomfortable chair, aches and pains are bound to strike eventually. Fortunately, there are some simple tips you can use to help prevent and relieve these aches so you can keep working comfortably until quitting time comes around.

1) Prevent Workplace Stress with Body Awareness

Today, most of us are not aware of how we use our bodies all day. In many cases, we are in a habitual posture and going about our work without changing position - whether typing on the computer or using a telephone. This is actually known as a deskbound syndrome, which is defined as prolonged sitting and inactivity that may lead to chronic pain and other musculoskeletal problems. It's well-documented that sitting for long periods of time can harm your health. And if you're someone who doesn't stand during the day or take frequent breaks from your desk, these tips might be able to help you manage any aches or pains you might be experiencing as a result of the deskbound syndrome.

2) Use High-Quality Ergonomic Equipment

When it comes to desk equipment, your desk chair, keyboard, and mouse are the most important items. Without these in place, you're running the risk of creating a negative work environment that can easily lead to health issues. Follow these simple tips for healthy and ergonomic office space:

Invest in high-quality ergonomic office equipment- You don't want equipment that will give you a sore neck or make typing difficult. Make sure your furniture has proper lumbar support so you can sit up straight all day long. Plus, invest in an ergonomic mouse with wide comfort pads that won't strain your wrists.

3) Change Positions Often

#1 Shift your hips in a half circle one way, then the other. This will stretch your whole spine from head to tailbone and open up those tight muscles in your back. Take this opportunity to do some deep breathing! Focus on filling your lungs with lots of fresh air and feel the tension flow out of you with each exhale. Inhale love, exhale fear...over and over again until you feel calm and at peace with yourself. Keep doing this every time you need a little pick-me-up throughout the day...or maybe right now would be a good time? :)

#2 Press into all four corners of your feet when seated, or simply squeeze them together as hard as you can. Remember those bunion splints I mentioned earlier?

4) Stretch Before and After Sitting

Office workers may find themselves in a seated position for long periods of time without movement. They need to take time out from the desk before sitting and after standing to stretch those muscles. It's important that people understand what the negative consequences of not stretching are so they can make educated decisions about whether or not they want to continue working in this environment. Stretching is vital because it reduces muscle tension and helps you avoid injury from prolonged periods of sitting.

5) Use Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the most well-known holistic healing methods in the world, and many people choose it as a treatment option. The use of natural oils from plants such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can help you relieve body aches and pains as well as mental stresses. Aromatherapy does not always involve the direct use of plant oils; you may also place a pot of your favorite flowers in the room to add fragrance and mood boosters. Citrus smells, such as lemon or orange, are known for helping boost energy levels after lunch hour.