CUES TO BE ACTIVE AND AVOID PROLONGED OCCUPATIONAL SITTING TIME (P.O.S.T.)

Avoid prolonged sittingProlonged Occupational Sitting Time, or P.O.S.T. as it is more easily referred to, is just what it sounds like: Sitting too long at work without taking a break. While some jobs may require an employee to be seated for extended periods of time, it is critical that they take time to change positions, stand and move around a little, and even exercise throughout the workday. Research has shown P.O.S.T. to have many detrimental effects on health, so it is necessary to avoid and offset as much as possible.

Many people believe that the more an employee is at their desk, and the longer they are focused on a project, the more effective they are in their job, but this is not the case. Productivity, quality and performance are negatively affected when tasks are worked on for extended time without breaks. A few of these effects are decreased efficiency, mental sharpness and creativity, and increased fatigue, irritability and error-making.

The need to meet a deadline is often cause for working long hours with minimal breaks. Applying proper time management, with occasional rests to refresh the mind and body, is the real key to meeting deadlines with greater excellence. In order to avoid the effects of P.O.S.T. it is important to take short breaks often, at least every hour or two. Here are some simple tips to help you remember to get up and move:


  • Set an alarm. This reminder to take breaks will help make activity become a habit.
  • Use office activities as cues. Examples include doing something active whenever a certain coworker walks by, stretching while using the copy machine, or bracing your abs whenever you receive a text message.
  • Stand to answer the phone. Stay standing while you talk unless you have to sit back down to write or type.
  • Stretch while talking with coworkers. Standing to stretch will improve your health and fitness, and will encourage your coworker to do the same.
  • Stretch at your desk. Many easy stretches can be done throughout the day without having to leave your work area.
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