The Hardest Part of the Day
What's the hardest part of the day for you?
The hardest part of the day for me is probably the most UN-hard thing. Non-hard? Easy? Sometimes the hardest part of the day is the most simple activity of all. I'm talking about doing nothing. Taking a break. Taking a load off. Relaxing.
I sit for hours nearly every day, reading about new approaches to health, fitness, technology, politics, news and some fun, entertainment-type stuff too. Mostly in front of a computer. My posture starts out good, but as time wears on, I start to slouch. I have to constantly remind myself about good ergonomics. But, I particularly forget to simply get up and take a break...do nothing, clear my mind, walk around, stretch, breathe deep, and re-focus my eyes on something other than the computer screen. Compulsive behavior, I suppose...always wanting to get another thing done, not willing to sacrifice a minute of time to get one more task accomplished.
Not more than a month ago, I realized that I need something to remind me to get up and move around instead of being cemented in front of the keyboard and monitor. I ran across a little application called Workrave . It's really been a lifesaver. To some, this is gonna sound uber-silly: it reminds you when to take breaks. Specifically,
Lately, I have been trying to work at the computer in different positions other than sitting. Kneeling, standing, and squatting. My hip flexibility (or lack thereof) has always annoyed me and by occasionally switching from desktop/sitting to tabletop/standing to floor/squatting, I am getting better at not getting "bound up" by remaining in one position. It helps to have a wireless keyboard and mouse so you can move around, and a laptop is even better. Check out this humorous look at "The Asian Squat" or what some call "The Third World Squat" . Does that mean that "first world" nations don't know squat? Hmmmm.....
A medical "professional" tells this guy to NOT SQUAT.
And don't forget about the squat toilet. Hard for us Westerners to grasp, but it helps explain why we tend to grow decrepit as we age, and ultimately have to have help getting off the can. Just sayin'.
Interestingly, the CrossFit website had a link today to the "do nothing for two minutes" website. It's another way to take a break. Check it out.
And, I've skipped several breaks while writing this post, so it's time I do what I should...TAKE A BREAK!
- Getting out of bed?
- Trying to function before the coffee is done brewing?
- Avoiding your husband's morning breath?
- Making the kids get ready for school?
- Walking out the door at 5:45am when it's 25 below and windy?
- Getting through the door of the gym?
- Remembering if the small bar is 15 or 25 pounds?
- The last work set of press without using your legs?
- Hand-release push-ups on your toes?
- Dead-hang pull-ups without the band?
- What's a thruster?
- Stretching and working on mobility even though you feel you've worked enough?
- Keeping a straight face when someone asks what's new with the cult?
- Eating a celery stick when there's a cupcake sitting on the counter?
- Walking past the table full of goodies that's bound to be in the break room come Valentine's Day?
- Not gorging yourself on the fantastic paleo crockpot stew you made on Sunday?
- Finding something that is at least partially non-processed on the menu at ANY restaurant?
- Where are my keys?
The hardest part of the day for me is probably the most UN-hard thing. Non-hard? Easy? Sometimes the hardest part of the day is the most simple activity of all. I'm talking about doing nothing. Taking a break. Taking a load off. Relaxing.
I sit for hours nearly every day, reading about new approaches to health, fitness, technology, politics, news and some fun, entertainment-type stuff too. Mostly in front of a computer. My posture starts out good, but as time wears on, I start to slouch. I have to constantly remind myself about good ergonomics. But, I particularly forget to simply get up and take a break...do nothing, clear my mind, walk around, stretch, breathe deep, and re-focus my eyes on something other than the computer screen. Compulsive behavior, I suppose...always wanting to get another thing done, not willing to sacrifice a minute of time to get one more task accomplished.
Not more than a month ago, I realized that I need something to remind me to get up and move around instead of being cemented in front of the keyboard and monitor. I ran across a little application called Workrave . It's really been a lifesaver. To some, this is gonna sound uber-silly: it reminds you when to take breaks. Specifically,
Workrave is a program that assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The program frequently alerts you to take micro-pauses, rest breaks and restricts you to your daily limit. (from the website)If you are like me and you have a hard time pushing back from the desk to take a break, download the app, install it and use the default settings. It works for me.
Lately, I have been trying to work at the computer in different positions other than sitting. Kneeling, standing, and squatting. My hip flexibility (or lack thereof) has always annoyed me and by occasionally switching from desktop/sitting to tabletop/standing to floor/squatting, I am getting better at not getting "bound up" by remaining in one position. It helps to have a wireless keyboard and mouse so you can move around, and a laptop is even better. Check out this humorous look at "The Asian Squat" or what some call "The Third World Squat" . Does that mean that "first world" nations don't know squat? Hmmmm.....
A medical "professional" tells this guy to NOT SQUAT.
And don't forget about the squat toilet. Hard for us Westerners to grasp, but it helps explain why we tend to grow decrepit as we age, and ultimately have to have help getting off the can. Just sayin'.
Interestingly, the CrossFit website had a link today to the "do nothing for two minutes" website. It's another way to take a break. Check it out.
And, I've skipped several breaks while writing this post, so it's time I do what I should...TAKE A BREAK!
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