Many people have jobs that keep them bellied up to a desk for an entire 8-hour work day or more. When the legs are at rest for too long, blood pools around the feet and ankles, leading to potential leg problems such as pain, swelling, and vein disease. To keep our blood moving properly, we need to take time every day to make sure that we are moving properly. Here are a few ways to bring a little extra motion to the day. Many people have jobs that keep them bellied up to a desk for an entire 8-hour work day or more. When the legs are at rest for too long, blood pools around the feet and ankles, leading to potential leg problems such as pain, swelling, and vein disease. To keep our blood moving properly, we need to take time every day to make sure that we are moving properly. Here are a few ways to bring a little extra motion to the day. Stand Up Some of us can’t avoid sitting at our jobs, so reduce the risks of a sedentary work by taking frequent breaks. At least once an hour, stand up, stretch, and even walk around for a few minutes. Shake out your arms and legs, straighten your spine by standing tall with relaxed shoulders, and take a few deep and slow breaths. Then, walk down the hall and back a few times. This will help keep your blood flowing, and help prevent it from pooling in your lower extremities. Keep Moving Staying seated doesn’t mean being stationary. Every half an hour, press your toes to the floor and raise your heels. Hold this for three seconds, and then press your heels to the ground and raise your toes for 3 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Grab your knee above the shin, bend your leg and pull each leg, one at a time, toward your chest. Hold your leg to your chest for 15 seconds each time. Repeat this 20 times. These, among other simple exercises, are an easy way to keep blood moving. Take Your Lunch Break A lunch break is a perfect time to improve leg circulation. Visit the gym for a quick weight lifting circuit, take a jog in a park, do yoga in your office, or even walk to where you are going to eat. Get your blood pumping and oxygen intake up. Although most experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, even 10 minutes of elevated heart rate is extremely beneficial for poor circulation, and other health issues. That leaves even those who only get a brief lunch break with time to eat, and squeeze in some sort of activity. Having a desk job does make it difficult to keep your blood flowing, but it is possible. Just a few sensible changes can mitigate circulation issues. Try them out for yourself!
