Webmaster Fitness
In January we had some unusually warm and sunny weather here in Philadelphia. So warm, in fact, that I took many impromptu trips to the park. Around that same time, I realized that I was suffering from some very bad headaches. It took a couple weeks for me to realize it, but these headaches were coming on only when I was outside.
The sun is something we take for granted. Although I’m a pretty active person, I shut down in the winter. I sit at my computer all day long and the only light I get is artificial. The event in January prompted me to evaluate my situation and how to change it. It was simple, really. I realized that I hadn’t opened my blinds since November, maybe October. I had conditioned myself to live without sunlight, so when I was exposed to it suddenly, it was all too much for my body to take.
As webmasters, there are lots of things we ignore about our well being. The fact that we work from home is both a blessing and a curse. I consider myself a health conscious person – but is that really true? I’ll admit it: In the summer time, I sit around in nothing but underwear and gorge myself on ice cream. In the winter, I don’t open my blinds and sometimes don’t leave the house for days. So, where do I get off calling myself “health conscious”? Well, I’m conscious of my poor decisions, so that’s a start. Now it’s time to act on them.
Getting some real sunlight and going outdoors is only step one. There are tons of bad habits that many webmasters have that must be broken. The biggest issue with most people is weight. How can you control it? Well, think of it this way: you can’t sit around all day snacking and maintain the same weight. It’s not possible, so don’t try it. One of the best things you can do is to ban all food from your work station. This has two great effects: you don’t snack all day long and you have to GET UP to get some food. Combine this technique with some exercise and you’re set. Now, I know most people don’t like diet and exercise, but there are some really simple things you can do that are worth a shot:
1) Don’t sit still. Just fidgeting around throughout the day can have a great effect on your weight and energy. I call it stationary movement: tap your feet, shake your head, rock back and forth. Do whatever you can to ensure that you’re moving more than your fingers throughout the day.
2) Create obstacles for yourself. Instead of finding the closest parking space, grab the one at the end of the lot. When you sort the groceries, put away one item at a time. Take the long way wherever you go and with whatever you do and you’ll reap the benefits.
3) Eat small portions throughout the day. Split those three meals you usually have into six. Your calorie intake will be the same but your metabolism will have to work faster. Also, don’t eat before going to bed. The more active you are during the digestion process, the better.
4) Please, please, please stop drinking soda! Each little soda can has approximately 150 calories and around 40 grams of carbohydrates. Think about it this way: would you eat 5 servings of ice cream each day? Most ice cream has the same amount of calories and about half the carbs. I was lucky in that I was raised on water. Soda isn’t appealing to me in the least. However, I do know some ex-soda junkies who now get their rocks off on Propel and other brands of flavored water.
My mom always says that the most valuable thing in life is your health. Love, friendship, family, even money… these are things you can’t enjoy without good health. Don’t take it for granted and do something about it. It’s never too late to change the way you live, and it doesn’t always take drastic measures. So, have you seen the sun today?
Reader Comments: (1 posts)
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Biana says: Smack-dab what I was loonkig for-ty! |
December 10th, 2011 at 4:51am EST Rating:  |
