- Your body needs movement. Shaking your leg or tapping your fingers aren’t bad habits but natural signals that your body needs to move.
- Changing positions is good for you: alternate between sitting and standing, take active breaks to prevent pain and muscle stiffness.
- Always listen to your body and indulge in small movements to promote circulation, concentration, and overall well-being, avoiding excessive periods of sedentary activity.
Do you ever shake your leg, drum your fingers on the table or play with a pen while working or studying? If the answer is yes, know that it’s not a bad habit you need to get rid of, but a signal your body is sending you. According to biomechanics expert Katy Bowman, these small, spontaneous movements, called fidgeting, are the body’s natural way of saying it needs to move.
Moving is good for your health
Many people spend hours and hours sitting in front of a computer screen, not realizing how harmful it is to sit still for too long. It has been shown that fidgeting can help improve blood circulation, reduce blood sugar spikes after meals, and even lower the risk of sedentary-related diseases. In addition, these small movements can help reduce stress, anxiety and even improve concentration.
Change positions frequently
A common mistake is to think that there is a “perfect” posture to maintain all day long. In reality, what matters most is to vary your posture from time to time. Standing still for too long can cause back pain, muscle stiffness and headaches. To avoid this, try changing positions often: alternate between sitting and standing, switch chairs, strides under your desk, or get up for a short break and stretch.
Take small, active breaks
If you feel the need to move, don’t ignore it. A good way to avoid muscle stiffness and keep your energy up is to include active breaks, exercise snacks, in your workday. For example, you can take a short walk between phone calls or at the end of a long meeting. Even a few minutes of movement can make a difference, helping to reduce the risk of back problems and activating your metabolism. Or to promote concentration clench the classic stress ball in your hand.
Always listen to what your body is communicating to you
Movement is essential for our health, and it always is, even while we are working. If you feel the need to move, don’t fight it: get up, change your position or take a short walk. Your body (and your mind) will be grateful.