For a few weeks now, I’ve been coping with the reality of being above 60. My neck and shoulders are so tense that they make me feel very weak. I don’t even know if it’s the combination of stress, shoulder and neck tension from working on my computer at home, and sinuses. Even though my nose has not been stuffy, I do have a sneeze fit now and then. The roughly one billion butterflies that flew over Los Angeles pollinated everything in sight. This makes my ears ring, which makes me feel far away.
Stand up and work
I work on my computer throughout the day, and I’m certain my neck and shoulder stiffness is caused by sitting with my head in a bad position for too long. Sitting for a long duration is the lousiest thing you can try at any age, not to mention those over 60.
As reported by Harvard Health, spending excessive hours in a sitting position is harmful to your health. Habitual inactivity increases cardiovascular disease risks, metabolic syndrome, obesity, deep vein thrombosis, and diabetes risks. The organs are also affected.
The thought of a standing desk sounds like an excellent idea, so I bought a portable, collapsible laptop stand to bring my laptop up to eye level so I can get my bum up and not strain my neck.
It wasn’t expensive at all. The ones I saw on TV were around $200, but mine wasn’t up to that, just below $40. Also, I didn’t have to assemble it. I’m sure the posh models are more robust, but mine isn’t bad. There’s even a resting place for my mouse pad.
The desk doesn’t move back and forth like the expensive types. However, you can regulate the height using the knob that determines the position of the legs. You can set it up so that you can sit it in bed and tilt your laptop on the desk or even use it as a book holder. I own two computers, a standard PC and a laptop. So whenever I get tired of standing, I can take a seat and work with my extra computer.
It can also become tiring to stand for a long period. Perhaps you should think about a rotary standing desk.
Shoulder tension influences your balance
Sometimes when I sit at the computer too long or stand up from the bed too fast, I get the sensation like the Earth is moving. I just feel a bit off-center, not dizzy. I’m sure it’s because my body gets slightly out of alignment. After all, I feel great otherwise. It would be best if you kept that in mind when you’re above 60 because the last thing you need is for you to lose your balance and fall.
Heated neck cushion
Something else I found helpful for my neck and shoulders is a lavender neck pillow from Sonoma, which you can warm in the microwave for a minute. Frequently, stress can cause neck and shoulder tension. Just the fragrance of the lavender alone helps me unwind. The pillow weighs a bit and presses my shoulders down. Whenever I was nervous, I would walk around with my shoulders draped over my ears as a child. This has always been an issue for me.
Yoga stretches
Another exercise I enjoy is sitting on the edge of a chair and then reaching back and taking hold of the chair’s back. Pull forward and arch your back. This really relieves any shoulder tension that you might feel.
Both sitting and standing have their problem
From the first day, I stood at my desk to work, and I could tell my shoulders felt a lot better. Whenever my feet become tired from standing for a long time, I sit for a few seconds. Standing up and sitting down in their own rights are exercises, so it’s not that bad at all. When you’re older, standing and sitting for too long is not good. Instead, it would help if you mixed it up. Try doing deep squats or wiggling your hips to prevent you from straining your feet.
Additional ways to loosen up your muscles
I’m one of those people who don’t like to take drugs unless it’s necessary. However, I’ve discovered that putting a small amount of CBD oil under my tongue helps relax my neck and shoulder muscles. It really works, and it’s natural.
Another way to relieve neck and shoulder tension is to order a deep muscle massage. This is always a wonderful way to relieve sore muscles, and you will feel wonderful afterward.
With Gratitude and Love
Dewvy