Improve Your Circulation

Health and the Writer
By Camy Tang

While working full time and writing, it became hard for me to stay in shape. This wasn't a vain observation--I have genetic health problems that exploded when I started spending all my time with butt glued to computer chair. The work environment also didn't help since I spent some time eating out for lunch with coworkers. My friends who are stay-at-home-moms had similar problems with the stress of kids and the lure of fast food dinners.

I researched and figured out a bunch of tips and tricks to help me stay in shape without carving out of my precious writing time. I also found some tips to help me have just general better health. Pick and choose which of these will work for you.

Improve your circulation

Take breaks often to improve your body’s circulation. You’ll stretch your muscles as well as improving blood flow. Stretch your back, neck, and wrists—about once every 30-60 minutes, more if needed. Also, if you follow a regular, light exercise program (more on that in future columns), your circulation will improve even when you're sitting, and help your body resist repetitive motion injury.

An easy way to break is to take a walk around the building, in the yard, around the block, up and down the hall. Walk to the farther restroom when you take a bathroom break. Dash up and down the stairs a couple times. Walk out to your car and back. It only takes 5-10 minutes, and it will dramatically improve your circulation.

Here are a few exercises you can do in your chair: Swing your arms or stretch them above your head. Squeeze a stress ball, a tennis ball, or a rubber ball to improve your grip strength and increase circulation to your hands. Perform a few seated leg raises. Rotate your ankle.

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