Prolonged standing can cause a variety of physical issues, including lower back pain, leg and foot pain, fatigue, and general discomfort. As a healthcare professional, you probably spend a lot of time standing at work, so take care of yourself with these five health tips.
1. Wear Comfortable Footwear
Wear comfortable, supportive footwear to protect your feet from prolonged standing. Your shoes shouldn’t pinch or squeeze any part of your feet. They should support your arches but not raise them. Once you find the right shoes, remember to replace them regularly. Worn-out soles are some of the most common causes of aching feet.
2. Avoid Prolonged Standing on Hard Surfaces
Although you can’t always decide what surface to stand on, avoid standing for a prolonged time on a hard surface, such as metal or concrete. Excellent footwear can make any surface feel more comfortable. If you can, stand on a durable anti-fatigue mat that softens the flooring.
3. Make Your Workstation Ergonomic
The third tip for people who stand a lot at work is to make the workstation ergonomic. Just like workers who spend prolonged periods sitting, an ergonomic standing workstation can alleviate pains throughout your body. Keep the computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse at the right heights so that your hands, wrists, forearms, and head stay parallel to the floor as you work.
4. Maintain Good Posture
Maintaining good posture can promote healthy circulation and prevent aches and pains. Keep your head straight and up, your shoulders pulled back, and pull in your abdomen. Avoid putting all your weight on your heels, and keep your toes pointed forward. Periodically shift your weight and move around to improve circulation and avoid fatigue.
5. Release Stress After Work
While you might not feel like exercising after work, physical activity can release stress from your body. Consider rolling your feet one at a time over a tennis ball to ease tension. Strength training and stretching exercises increase your endurance and make you more flexible. Techniques that decompress your spine will help you feel more relaxed too.
