Death of the Desk
By: Ryan Steenrod
Tags: Pain Management, Health, Chronic Pain, Productivity

You are probably reading this sitting down somewhere either on your phone, tablet or computer with your head-drooped and slumped posture. If you aren’t in one of those positions then I commend you. If, however, you just corrected your posture after reading this then I’ve done my job as a movement coach to help bring some awareness and perhaps fix your uncomfortable disposition.

My company, Death of the Desk is a metaphor for not just moving the sedentary world, but to change the things that may be bringing you down. The desk could be one of things, we certainly aren’t saying you can’t sit down, however, sitting in poor positions for hours on end unchanged is a recipe for pain.

Now don’t go into your office Monday morning and take a chainsaw to your desk. You might get a standing ovation, but you won’t be setting yourself up for a raise (or even a job) in the future. You can start by being present with your environment and becoming aware of what is causing you to feel the way you do. Thus leading you to begin implementing small changes.

What would happen if you were to stand more often? Or if you already stand, perhaps change HOW you stand? What if you shifted your weight into the opposite hip you normally do and perhaps added in some targeted drills for relief?

In other words, making a few smart adjustments might lead to a world of relief. You may not know what relief is until you experience it, because pain and discomfort have become normal for you.

My job is to help you get out of pain, feel better and ultimately become a more capable human being, so let me ask you, how do you feel? How is your work environment? Are you stressed out? Are you experiencing any aches, pains or discomforts that are associated with how you sit, stand or interact at your job? Maybe you haven’t really thought about it or maybe you’ve just blown it off and accepted that this is what it is.

It doesn’t have to be this way though.

If you are interested in change, I challenge you to start with a health-related goal for your job. Take a couple of minutes and write down all the things you would change at your work. Analyze the list and circle your #1 biggest struggle at work when it comes to health and well-being.

A great place to begin in establishing a goal is looking at your single #1 biggest struggle. Write that down now.

Got it? Ok.

Now lets use a tool to move your sedentary world: write down 3 of your strengths. Those strengths can be anything that you’re good at: preparing dinner, planning, listening, empathizing — literally ANYTHING.

Next, write down 3 of your weaknesses. Do they relate in any way, shape or form to your biggest struggle? I bet they do in some capacity.

Finally, take a look at your two lists. With your single #1 biggest struggle in mind, figure out how can you can use any one of your strengths to overcome that big struggle. Bet on your strengths to overcome your weakness. It may take a bit of thought but it’s an easy way to start breaking down barriers to success.

For example, your #1 biggest struggle is neck pain, accountability is your weakness and planning is a strength. A way to overcome your struggle might be to plan scheduled breaks into your phone for accountability. Ultimately this moves you closer to your goal of relieving neck pain. This tool provides you the opportunity to take control and therefore, dictate the way you feel.

Try it out and see what you come up with, I’d be interested to hear about your struggles in the comments below.

Need help? Let me know, this is what I do.

If not, go move your sedentary world.