Body Sense

• Use an office chair, if possible. Office chairs are designed to be adjusted to fit your individual body type and the way you sit at your desk. Sit all the way back on the chair and use a small pillow or other cushion to support your lower back if the chair doesn't offer that support. When the pelvis is aligned and supported, the rest of the spine naturally follows. • Adjust the height of the computer monitor so the top portion of the screen aligns with your eyes. This will support a lifted head rather than looking down or up, which can cause neck tension. • Invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse. Your arms should be bent at a 90-degree angle. When using a laptop, because the screen and keyboard are directly atop one another, either the monitor will be too low or your arms will be too high without a separate keyboard and mouse. • Consider a work space that is not in the same area where you relax. It's important to have time to disconnect, unwind, and separate work life from home life. STRETCH FREQUENTLY For every hour you work at a computer, take a 5- to 10-minute stretch break. When you move your body, you bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to your tissues while also circulating "feel- good" hormones that keep you focused, creative, and joyful. Here are some specific stretches to counteract the bad work ergonomics you might be experiencing from your work-from-home setup. ELEVATE YOUR EMOTIONS One of the positive experiences of being in an office environment is a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. While video conferencing helps negate the sense of isolation, it doesn't replace the shared energy of person-to-person connection. For most, being in the presence of others helps keep thoughts and emotions elevated. Meditation is an excellent way to take time out to focus on the positive experiences in your life. It offers time to reframe challenging emotions like fear, loneliness, and anxiety and turn them into gratitude, joy, and creativity. Taking 10 minutes each day (or better yet, once in the morning and once in the evening) to focus your attention on the gifts in your life, such as having a job, being part of a family, feeling healthy, and having food to eat and a roof over your head, can keep you from getting into a mental and emotional slump. Before each meditation, make a list of 2–3 things, experiences, or people you are grateful for and focus entirely on how happy they make you feel. Notice how sensations in your body change when you focus on the good. Add a smile to your meditation, and your spirit will soar even higher! Remember, you are in charge. In times when it feels like you don't have control over what's happening in your external world, remember you have complete control over your body, mind, and spirit. You, and only you, are responsible for the quality of your life. Taking the time to support yourself will cause positive sensations on every level: physical, mental, and emotional. Then, the joy you radiate will support those around you and elevate the collective slump! Since 2000, Cindy Williams, LMT, has been actively involved in the massage profession as a practitioner, school administrator, instructor, curriculum developer, and mentor. She maintains a private practice as a massage and yoga instructor. Contact her at cynthialynn@massagetherapy.com. 8 Body Sense

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