I was recently inspired by a woman who expressed that since shifting to remote work, she has been more active than ever before. Her words deeply resonated with me. After spending 30 years in a dynamic retail career, I had concerns that transitioning into the cancer registry field, coupled with working remotely, would compromise my ability to stay healthy and active.

However, working remotely does not necessarily equate to a lack of health or activity. In fact, it could offer opportunities to enhance your wellbeing. Over the next few weeks, we will explore various strategies to sustain and improve your physical fitness while working from the comfort of your own home. This week, we are focusing on strategies to remain active, specifically for better blood circulation.

According to research highlighted on WebMD, prolonged sitting isn’t great for your circulation or your back; it weakens leg muscles and slows the blood flow in your legs, potentially causing a clot. This makes it crucial to take a break at least once every hour to move around and ensure your blood circulates optimally, and oxygen and nutrients are effectively transported throughout your body.

There are numerous effective strategies to keep your blood circulating, even while working. For example, standing and moving while taking a call, watching a webinar, or participating in a meeting. This simple act of pacing can help improve circulation and increase mental alertness and focus.

Remote work does not require sitting all day. Alternating between sitting and standing can enhance blood flow to your heart and overall health. Thanks to the emergence of adjustable standing desks, sedentary work culture is becoming a thing of the past. These desks have risen in popularity due to their myriad health benefits and are available in a variety of styles.

Furthermore, exercise equipment has also evolved over time, and it is no longer restricted to the gym or a designated workout space. Today’s market boasts an impressive array of compact exercise equipment designed to seamlessly integrate into your workspace, such as under-desk elliptical machines, pedal exercisers, vibration plates, and total workout machines. Some stationary bikes even come with attachable desks, perfect for home or office use.

For Cancer Registrars, the flexibility of working from home creates many opportunities to stay active and fit. Regular breaks to stretch and move around can help circulate blood, alleviate joint stiffness, and prevent fatigue. You can utilize your break time to take a quick walk in your neighborhood, enjoy a refreshing swim, or engage in a 20-minute aerobic or yoga session. Even simple activities like walking your dog can significantly benefit your health.

Keeping your body adequately hydrated is another crucial aspect of maintaining healthy blood circulation. Given that about half of our blood is composed of water, staying hydrated is key. The general guideline is to aim for eight glasses of water a day, increasing this amount during exercise or hot weather.

Working from home is no excuse for neglecting health and fitness. In fact, prioritizing your wellbeing becomes more crucial than ever when working remotely. Luckily, it’s also more manageable than in a traditional office setup. So, remember to stay healthy, keep moving, and make your health your number one priority as you navigate the world of remote work.