Let’s face it. Growing a business takes time, energy and a strong commitment from yourself and those you are closest to. The hours you pour into your business pay off over time, but while you’re at it all else seems to be pushed aside. You no longer see your friends as often as you used to and weekends become something of a foreign concept. Worse yet, you put yourself aside.
That gym membership expired months ago and since then you have felt like a recluse in your home office slaving away at your dream. Although you know this is what you need to do to achieve your goals, you cannot afford to put your health on the back burner.
Fortunately, there is a “kill two birds with one stone” solution.
In recent years, the attention to and advancements in ergonomic furniture has created a solution for young entrepreneurs. Now, with just a few minor changes to your home office, you can create a healthier place to live, er… work.
Here are a few tips to get you started creating a home office that will inspire you to live better while you pursue your dream
Stand more often
Studies have shown that sitting for long periods of time puts your health in extreme danger. When you sit, you lower the number of calories you burn, your fat burning enzymes are reduced by as much as 90% and your heart rate slows. All of this adds up quickly and can increase your chances of shorter lifespan by as much as 40%. To combat this, invest in a standup desk. This allows you to change your position throughout the day and stand more often helping regulate your blood flow. If you want an added benefit, put a treadmill at your desk so you can slowly walk your way to health while you knock items off your to-do list.
Improve your posture
Even with an adjustable height desk, you will want to sit down too. When you do, your back is put under immense stress with as much as three times the pressure being added just from sitting. Ergonomic chairs help you improve your posture and put less strain on your neck, back and joints. Find a chair that will give you the support you need in your lumbar curve so that you can maintain good posture with ease. Also, look for a chair that will give you the flexibility to move forward and backward so that you can move freely.
Squint less
Today’s entrepreneur operates in a screen intense world. From smartphone and tablet screens to the screens of multiple monitors, your desk if filled with digital displays. Your eyes are not used to staring at screens for extended periods of time and doing so can cause you to squint or get blurry vision. As a result, you could find yourself battling a headache when you should be getting work done. To help, you should use a task light for proper lighting in your home office. If you find yourself leaning forward to see what’s on your monitor, consider a monitor arm too. These simple accessories will help you squint less and protect your eyes from undue stress.
You have big time goals, but your health does not have to suffer while you work hard. By making small changes in your home office, you can create an environment that inspires healthier living and improves the way you work.
Kimberly Crossland is a freelance writer with a passion for business and health. To create a balance between her job and staying healthy, she has set up her home office with a treadmill desk and other ergo friendly equipment. To create a home office with ergonomic furniture, visit www.thehumansolution.com
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