Frequent Breaks

When you spend a big chunk of your day at the computer, you will be scrunched, crunched, twisted and compressed before the day is half gone. The mounting compression of sitting (usually badly) messes with your body, your energy and your breathing.

I trust that your chair, equipment, light and desk are all ergonomically correct. Unfortunately that isn’t enough.

During the hundreds of thousands of years when our bodies were adapting and evolving, there were no chairs. Since you were never intended to sit at all, at least change and check your position often. Set your computer or watch alarm to signal periodically that it is time to stand up, stretch and take a few deep breaths. There are some interesting studies that indicate that your brain resets itself to a sharper mode when you take a quick break at least once every 40 minutes.

The longer you sit, the more you shallow breathe, leaving your body and brain sluggish. The delicate nerves and arteries of your neck are compressed by the considerably heavy weight of your off-balance head.

Remember that you need an aligned and balanced ribcage for efficient breathing. Try pressing your elbows against the chair back and reach toward the ceiling with the top of your head. Or, hunch your shoulders upward, push them back and pull them down. Notice how your breathing improves.

Be well. Breathe beautifully.