Don't Ignore These Tips for Healthy Circulation

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 8 min read

For many people, one of the positive results of COVID-19 protective measures is the move of many employees to work-from-home opportunities. While it does take some getting used, a lot of people have found that working from reduces some of the stress normally associated with a workweek, such as long, traffic-filled commutes or the ability to make it home in time for dinner. There are some downsides to working from home, and believe it or not, one of them is a lack of work/life balance.

The Work/Life Balance

Some people are struggling to keep their kids or animals out of their video calls, but others are enjoying the opportunity to hit the desk and run the reports anytime they want. Working from home is a double-edged sword, and for those making the most of it, there are noticeable increases in overall productivity. This is great for the company, but it could be bad for your health. The temptation to send another proposal or to take another call may be keeping you from proactive steps that can avoid poor circulation problems, lower back pain, eye strain, or stress. Working from home comes with some freedom that you may not have in your normal cubicle, so you should take advantage of some extra opportunities to work on your circulation.

Plan for a Break

There is an increased temptation to keep on working once you find yourself in the groove, but if you don’t take a break every now and then, you can cause problems with your circulation. Your body has around 6000,000 miles of blood vessels and combines with your heart and other muscles to create the circulatory system. Every area of your body needs blood, when you have problems with your circulation, you may experience some uncomfortable issues. One of which involves ED, a condition that impacts men's sexual health. Erectile dysfunction occurs when your penis doesn’t receive the blood flow it needs during an erection. Instead, the penis isn’t able to get hard enough for an erection, requiring the help of a medication like Mt. Everest to encourage a strong enough blood flow. However, you can proactively ward off concerns with circulatory problems by incorporating time into your daily schedule for some exercises and activities.

Drink More Water

If your job doesn’t allow you to get up or move around while on the clock, you can still take steps to improve your circulation. Increasing the amount of water you drink can make a difference with your blood flow. Blood is actually about half water, so even the slightest bit of dehydration can impact how easily your blood flows throughout the body. Increasing your water intake is one of the easiest ways to ensure your blood vessels are at their peak composition. Get a water bottle or large cup that you label with a schedule to encourage you to get at least 64 ounces each day.

Stand and Work

Standing desks have been trending for some time, as many find increased comfort and focus when standing and working. In addition to these benefits, occasionally standing and working can improve your circulation. Sitting for several hours at a time isn’t good for your back or the circulation of blood through your legs and feet. Reduced blood flow can weaken your leg muscles and cause tingling or numbness in your toes. It might be a little awkward the first few times you try it, but getting up on your feet sends the blood back up to the heart efficiently.

Get on the Wall

Since you are at home, you can get more creative with your break time, especially if you are trying to encourage better circulation. There is a yoga pose called legs-up-the-wall, which is a great trick for helping reduce feet or ankle swelling. Lie on the floor (on a mat or thick blanket if you have one) with your body perpendicular to the wall. Have your bottom placed against the wall and raise your legs up to rest on the wall. Stretch out your arms with the palms down on the floor to give you balance. This sends the blood flowing in the opposite direction, relieving excess pressure in your lower extremities.

Pop a Squat

If you just have a minute or two between calls or can’t really step away from your workspace, you can drop into a squat to encourage more positive blood flow. Though it is a form of strength training that gets your blood pumping, it can help with back pain and it can lower your blood sugar. Slowly do a few squats, slowly bending your knees and lowering your hips like you are sitting in a chair. Keep your back straight and your arms bent for balance.

Getting into a routine that focuses on your health in small but significant ways can help you stay on track even when get have to go back to the office. Use these simple activities to get your blood pumping and your circulation going strong.

Nu Image Medical® offers a new and futuristic approach to achieving optimal health and wellness. The company has been a weight loss, anti-aging and wellness provider since 2004 and offers medically supervised programs for medical weight loss, peptides, erectile dysfunction, scream cream, and hair loss (NuDew) 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.