How To Maintain Healthy Blood Circulation With a Desk Job

We are all aware of the detrimental effects of a sedentary lifestyle on our well-being. But did you know that your desk job also wreaks havoc on your body? Sitting for 8-10 hours with minimal or no movement restricts blood flow to your legs, the strongest muscles in your body. This leads to weight gain, weaker bones and reduced blood flow, apart from affecting poor spine shape, mental health and stress levels.

A steady flow of blood is essential for your tissues to absorb nutrients, get rid of waste and maintain the strength of your muscles. The idea here is that the more you move, the more blood rushes through your body, making it more active and helping you avoid many diseases in the long run.

If you’ve been stuck in your chairs so far, we’ll get you going with the following tips:

1. Take breaks to walk – It is a gentle but useful exercise. Walking at a slightly challenging pace with your peers every hour of sitting increases blood flow throughout the body and creates muscle contraction in the legs.
2. Stretch for flexibility – Stretching reduces stress, improves posture and relieves body pain. Some of the most basic stretches can even be done at your workplace.
3. Wear compression stockings – Prolonged sitting can lead to fluid accumulation. Investing in compression stockings will increase circulation and prevent conditions like plantar fasciitis, DVT, varicose veins, etc. This soothes tired feet and legs, relieves pain, encourages more relaxed movements, and prevents blood clots in the legs.
4. Position your body appropriately – Sitting cross-legged impedes blood flow to your lower body. Make sure you are seated at your desk with your legs slightly apart and your feet on the floor. A slight elevation with an ottoman or stool will help blood reach your leg muscles efficiently.
5. Tap Tap Tap – Tapping your foot from time to time while sitting or standing at your desk also improves circulation. With your heels on the ground, you’ll tap your toes to the beats of your favorite music. Switch legs and continue for 30 seconds.
6. calf raises – If you’re waiting in front of the printer, copier, or microwave, use the time to run this gym gem. Put your feet firmly on the floor. Raise your heels as high as possible while holding onto something for balance. Then slowly lower back down. You can even ask your colleagues to join you and make it a fun session.
7. ankle flex – Press your feet firmly on the floor and lift both heels off the floor. Slowly lower them, then lift both toes by drawing them towards your shins. Repeat 10-15 times on each leg to improve ankle flexibility.
8. Don’t stress! – How can we talk about a healthy lifestyle and not mention stress level checks? Because no matter how hard you try to stay active, it will all be useless if your stress levels are above the roof. Exercising, listening to music, taking deep breaths, meditation or psychotherapy are some ways to keep stress away.

Try these recommendations and present yourself with the optimal blood flow, which is essential for a healthier life, even with a desk job.